 Hedgehogs are blamed for eating rare birds' eggs |
Fresh calls have been made to end the cull of hedgehogs on the Uists in the Outer Hebrides. The programme was started because of the threat the animals pose to rare wading birds and their eggs.
However, the British Hedgehog Preservation Society said its studies have found that island hedgehogs can survive if relocated to the mainland.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) - one of the bodies behind the cull - said the scheme would resume this spring.
The hedgehog society said studies of the animals captured on the islands and moved to the mainland show they can survive.
Mainland populations
Bristol University scientists have also disputed claims that culling island hedgehogs is more humane than moving them.
Hedgehogs taken from the Outer Hebrides did not adversely affect mainland populations, according to their study.
The university said the animals could be relocated successfully after rehabilitation.
Ross Minett, spokesperson for the Uist Hedgehog Rescue coalition, welcomed the findings.
"We are hopeful that SNH will reassess its slaughter policy in light of this new evidence and choose to work with us to relocate instead of kill these animals," he said.
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