The European hedgehog is one of our most beloved mammals, but populations are in worrying decline, and one of the main causes is that hedgehogs are being killed by cars. Now, a new study shows that hedgehogs can hear ultrasound – a finding that could have implications for their survival.
Assistant Professor at the Natural History Museum Denmark Sophie Lund Rasmussen has led a study describing the hearing and ear anatomy of the European hedgehog. Together with her research team, including specialists from Aarhus University, City Dyreklinik, the University of Oxford, Aarhus University Hospital and the University of Southern Denmark, she has discovered that European hedgehogs can hear high-frequency ultrasound. The results, published today, 11 March, in Biology Letters, could enable the development of specially designed acoustic deterrents that could potentially reduce the number of hedgehogs killed in traffic.
Sophie Lund Rasmussen, also known as ‘Dr Hedgehog’, who is leading the project, says:
– I am delighted! Our findings could potentially make it possible to develop acoustic deterrents specifically targeted at hedgehogs, without disturbing motorists or their pets. Imagine if they could be used to keep hedgehogs away from cars and other potential hazards, such as robotic lawnmowers and grass trimmers.
A major cause of hedgehog mortality is being hit by vehicles, which is estimated to kill up to one in three hedgehogs each year. There is therefore an urgent need for strategies to reduce the number of hedgehogs killed on the roads.
Sophie Lund Rasmussen elaborates:
– There is still a long way to go – we need to investigate which sounds actually frighten hedgehogs and whether they can prevent them from venturing in front of cars. This will require a larger research project, and that is where the automotive industry comes into the picture.
