The process
Lucy initially established the effectiveness of ‘traditional’ hedgehog detection methods such as spotlights, before Henry was sent in to search the area. Lucy then searched again using thermal cameras to see if modern technology could also help with detection rates.
After his training, Henry was able to detect significantly more hedgehogs than were found by spotlight, and didn’t miss a single animal that was also detected by thermal cameras. He was able to cover large areas in a short time, finding hedgehogs at a distance and in unlikely places.
“Henry is trained to locate hedgehogs without stressing or hurting them," confirms Lucy. "They burrow in the oddest places, and are especially hard to find during the day or while hibernating, but Henry never misses a beat.
One time he signalled the presence of a hedgehog in the middle of a field. I thought he must be wrong, but there was a hedgehog hunkered down in the grass!"