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Poster Short Abstract

Urban wildlife, here hedgehogs and badgers, face unique challenges in cities. Using citizen science data from Vienna, 356 hedgehog and 918 badger sightings (2012–2023) were analyzed. Habitat use varied by slope and land type, with hedgehogs avoiding areas with badgers present.

Poster Abstract

Urban environments present unique challenges and opportunities for wildlife species, with some adapting successfully to these habitats. Understanding the distribution and habitat preferences of urban wildlife is crucial to mitigate potential conflicts with humans and their pets. This study examines the spatial ecology of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus or E. roumanicus) and badgers (Meles meles) in Vienna, Austria, using data from two citizen science projects: stadtwildtiere.at and roadkill.at. The study area, Vienna, is home to two million residents and consists of 50% green space. Between 2012 and 2023, 356 hedgehog and 918 badger sightings were reported. Both species were frequently observed in areas with a mix of built-up spaces and green habitats, such as meadows and shrubs, but were less common in arable land, likely due to reduced food availability, avoidance of open terrain and reduced detectability by citizen scientists. Slope influenced the two species differently: hedgehog sightings declined with increasing slope, while badger sightings increased in sloped areas with moderate urbanization. Interestingly, hedgehogs were rarely reported in areas where badgers were present, suggesting potential spatial avoidance or competition. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of citizen science in monitoring urban wildlife and provides valuable insights into species-specific habitat use and interactions.