News From Sega - Sonic Rush Adventure

SONIC TO SAVE THE HEDGEHOGS
Tracking devices to monitor hedgehog’s movements

Sonic the Hedgehog, the world’s favourite hedgehog, has teamed up with the British Hedgehog Preservation Society to help raise awareness of the hedgehog’s decline, which has seen them included on a list of species that need protection.

In an attempt to track the whereabouts of hedgehogs and to understand their daily routines, where they go and what they do, SEGA has fitted GPRS tracking devices to 100 hedgehogs and will monitor them daily over the course of the next fortnight. This research will go a long way to helping the BHPS understand what is happening to the UK’s hedgehog population.

To coincide with the 14th September launch of Sonic Rush Adventure on the Nintendo DS, SEGA, the iconic video game publisher, is inviting people to send images of how they help hedgehogs; from offering food to leaving a corner of the garden wild to make a hedgehog home. Images should be sent to hedgehogs@frankpr.it and anyone sending in an image will be rewarded with a Sonic Rush Adventure prize pack.

The British Hedgehog Preservation Society is involved in a project called HogWatch aimed at taking a snapshot of hedgehog numbers across the UK. Nearly 20,000 people took part in HogWatch which reported sightings and non-sightings of hedgehogs in 2005 and 2006, making it the largest mammal survey of its kind. HogWatch was launched in response to findings that hedgehogs have declined by as much as 50% in some regions and was backed up by a recent report published by leading scientists from the University of London.

Fay Vass, Chief Executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, said: “We really appreciate SEGA showing concern for hedgehogs and encouraging their customers to help stop the decline of Britain’s only spiny mammal. Hedgehogs were around before sabre-toothed tigers and it is important that we do all we can to ensure they are around for years to come”

A SEGA spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to be working with British Hedgehog Preservation Society to help raise awareness of such an important issue. Hopefully we can help to make a positive impact.”

Sonic Rush Adventure is on sale exclusively for Nintendo DS from 14th September. To be in with a chance of winning a copy of Sonic Rush Adventure, log on to www.wheressonic.co.uk and take part in the game.