RSPB Spotlight Hedgehogs

by James Lowen

Much loved . . . but about to be lost? The hedgehog was voted Britain's favorite animal in 2013, yet numbers in the British countryside have halved this century. Generations of children have been captivated by Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-winkle and Romans feted hedgehogs as weather prophets, yet many cultures routinely consume hedgehog meat for medicinal uses as varied as alleviating arthritis and arresting impotence. Unmistakably--and uniquely, in European terms--garbed in spines, this mammal is a "gardener's best friend". . . yet one upon which we are rarely lucky enough to clasp eyes. Hedgehogs have been legally persecuted for munching the eggs of rare birds, yet the recent appointment of Britain's first ever "hedgehog officer" was lauded by the national press. Familiar in appearance yet little known of lifestyle, the hedgehog is an ideal and iconic subject for Bloomsbury's RSPB Spotlight series. Hedgehogs will be a lively, readable, and decadently illustrated account of one of Britain's most loved but most vulnerable animals. Separate chapters bring into sharp focus the hedgehog's biology and lifestyle, from foraging and sociability to defending a territory and building a nest. The book reveals what a hedgehog is and how it lives, and how it fits into both the natural (and human) environment and the wider animal kingdom. Chapters explain how best to find, watch, and help wild hedgehogs, and how its frankly bizarre body is utterly fit for purpose. Finally, the book investigates the relationship between hedgehogs and people--from film and fun to conservation and chips.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2018

Reviews

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining, concise overview of one of the most charismatic and best-loved of mammals. It's nowhere near as comprehensive as the oft-revised Pat Morris book, but it's a more accessible introduction. Comes with a whole bunch of crisp, beautiful photographs to boot.

[Robin Braysher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super little book - beautifully illustrated - with everything you could want to know about hedgehogs! Knowing that hedgehogs come into my garden made this a must-read and I'm glad I did. I feel much better informed to ensure that my garden is hedgehog friendly and to understand these fascinating creatures!

[Sally Dark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several hedgehog books recently, having discovered last autumn that I have an abundance of them visiting my garden. I read this entire book after work last night sat in the garden in the sun. It is really interesting those people with an interest in these most gorgeous, strange and intriguing little mammals, and gives a biological background as to how our European Hedgehog, and other varieties, may have involved. I didn't find myself really learning anything new (as I have been obsessively reading everything I can get my hands on about hedgehogs), however the information is really helpful for people who want to take an interest and do what they can do help their local hedgehogs.

[Ginni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slim volume, well illustrated, and gives all the facts in a lighthearted yet sensible way. Obviously being published by the RSPB, this is UK orientated. It covers folklore and species history, and seems sound on the ecological side. Helpful tips about making your garden hedgehog friendly; recommended.

[Shauna Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy and informative read.