- cross-posted to:
- technology@lemmy.ml
- cross-posted to:
- technology@lemmy.ml
Robot mowers damage biodiversity and harm many creatures, including hedgehogs, according to German conservationists. Some of them are calling for a ban on nighttime mowing.
Conservationists and scientists in Germany have called for a ban on the nighttime use of robot mowers in order to protect hedgehogs, with a study showing that many of the animals die after being lacerated by the devices.
According to the study from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, almost half of the 370 hedgehogs that were examined after being cut by the mowers’ blades died of their injuries or had to be put down.
Hedgehogs are particularly in danger from mowers operating at night, as the animals are nocturnal feeders and do not flee when in danger, instead relying on their spines as defense — an inadequate protection against the sharp metal blades of a robotic mowing machine.
I think all mowers except non-motorized push mowers should be illegal for home use. You want a big, manicured lawn? Well then you gotta work for it, buddy.
Most properties where I live have huge grass lawns, but I almost never see anyone actually using them. The only time anyone is out on their lawn is to mow it, and they all use these low-effort riding mowers. Every single nice day (and I live in the maritime Pacific Northwest, so warm and sunny days are precious things) is always filled with the din of mowers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, and other gas-powered tools of ornamental landscaping. And for what? An ecologically-devoid patch of land that even the landowner isn’t utilizing.
I’ve got a strict hoa that you probably couldn’t play on it if you tried. Neighbor had a tiny swing hidden under their porch and got fined repeatedly before they took it down. I never see any kids playing on the grass. I bet all of the balls and toys laying about would give them an aneurysm.
It’s also a huge waste of water but your City or HOA will force you to mow it. I share the same sentiment as you and would be happy to use the land for anything apart from just a green lawn which needs to be mowed.