Hedgehog named Switzerland’s Animal of the Year 2026

Pro Natura, a nature conservation organisation in Switzerland, has revealed that the hedgehog has been chosen as the country's Animal of the Year 2026.

Hedgehog on Swiss Red List of endangered animals

For over 20 years, Pro Natura has selected Switzerland’s Animal of the Year, and for 2026, the organisation has chosen the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus in Latin). 

Hedgehogs have been native to Switzerland for around 20.000 years, according to Watson, but are now classified as “increasingly threatened” on the Swiss Red List of endangered animals. 

Pro Natura calls for hedgehog-friendly outdoor spaces

Pro Natura is “calling on people to design and maintain hedgehog-friendly gardens, green spaces, cemeteries, and parks,” according to the Pro Natura press release. Swiss residents can do this by “invit[ing] nature into their gardens” with things like flowers, woodpiles, hedgehog houses and quiet areas for animals.

The curious animal needs “a dense network of shelters and a plentiful supply of insects," but as the country’s population and cities have grown, hedgehogs' habitats have started to disappear. 

The organisation is also launching a nationwide campaign in March called “BONJOUR NATURE: Welcome to the Natural Garden!”. Pro Natura will offer free consultations on how to encourage more nature in your garden, along with a “Natural Garden” certification.