The hedgehog, his contribution to agriculture

The use of resources as natural as wildlife that feeds on species that can cause pests is an alternative that can and should be recovered in many types of crops.

It can be a valuable tool for farmers who bet on the use of these natural pesticides, as opposed to phytosanitary products that (apart from supposing an enormous economic expense for the farmer's pocket) are destroying the habitat, precisely, of all those animals so beneficial.

What is the hedgehog?

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The hedgehog is a funny and friendly mammal that abounds a lot in the fields of Europe, Africa and Asia. Although it has already been introduced in America and Oceania. There are up to 17 species of hedgehogs and their color can be beige, brown or bicolor. More and more people have it as a pet.

This animal is characterized by its spines, which cover its entire back. Also for its ability to roll over on itself before any danger, becoming a spiked ball.

He is an indefatigable nocturnal hunter and, guided by his hearing and smell, which is very developed, he wanders through the fields looking for insects, snails, spiders, mice, frogs and vipers.

It seems that the venom of the vipers has no effect, but apart from this, the hedgehog is so skilled in the fight against this reptile that it is rarely allowed to bite.

Benefits and contribution of the hedgehog for the crops on the farms

This animal does not fear man, and even makes its nests in the vicinity of farms. If afterwards the man thanked him for his presence, it is easy for the hedgehog to accept the food from his hands and to even approach the farm with his little ones.

It is an animal without doubt useful to man, not only because it eliminates insects and animals harmful to agriculture, but above all for its ability to kill snakes. It is a great merit if we think about the danger that these reptiles constitute.

Some of your favorite foods can be cockroaches, caterpillars, snails, slugs, grasshoppers and also worms, so we must protect the vermicompost so they do not climb easily. Although they eat earthworms, they are more beneficial than harmful. Balance is important and each animal has its predator and we should not kill it.

You can have them as pets, Advantages:

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-It is unlikely that you are allergic to a hedgehog, as they do not release dandruff or hair.
-They are silent. They do not bark, they do not howl, they do not bother your neighbors.
-They are small.
-Relatively of little care.
-They are nocturnal animals, they sleep during the day, and they are active during the late night.
-It is an unusual, curious and interesting pet.
-With proper nutrition, they do not generate unpleasant odors.
-They are not rodents, so they do not tend to bite or destroy their habitat.
-They do not require routine vaccinations (The veterinary check-up is recommended from time to time).
-It is not necessary to walk them.
-They are not aggressive by nature. Their barbs do not hurt, and heighs them only as a method of defense.
-They are curious, tender and in many cases they let themselves "hug".

As with other insectivores, it must be borne in mind that the common hedgehog or ground hedgehog is a beneficial species for our fields and forests, because of the role of biological control of insects, worms, slugs, snails and spiders that it represents, so it must be a species to protect and care for.