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Scientists have uncovered new insights into the hearing capabilities of hedgehogs, revealing that these animals perceive sounds at frequencies far beyond human auditory limits. While it was known that hedgehogs use sounds such as snuffles, grunts, and snorts to communicate, the recent study suggests they might also be exchanging messages through ultrasonic noises inaudible to people. This finding could significantly enhance our understanding of hedgehog behavior and communication.
Dr Sophie Rasmussen from the University of Oxford described the discovery as potentially transformative, especially given the decline of hedgehog populations across the UK and Europe. Identifying the auditory range of hedgehogs may allow researchers to develop sound-based approaches for their protection. For instance, sound repellants could be designed to keep hedgehogs away from dangerous machinery like lawnmowers, cars, or strimmers, which are known to cause deadly injuries to the animals.
To achieve these results, Rasmussen and a team of bio-acousticians conducted experiments involving anaesthetised hedgehogs from a rescue center. By playing a series of pulses and beeps and measuring the animals’ brain responses, they determined that hedgehogs are capable of hearing frequencies up to 85kHz. For comparison, humans hear up to 20kHz, cats up to 45kHz, and dogs up to 65kHz. The team also created a 3D model of the hedgehog’s ear, which revealed a stiff chain of bones enabling efficient transmission of high-pitched sounds, somewhat akin to the mechanism in echolocating bats.
The implications of the research are broad. With thousands of hedgehogs dying annually in vehicle collisions, and the species listed as near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, new methods to deter hedgehogs from roads and dangerous areas could be life-saving. Rasmussen hopes to collaborate with manufacturers to explore the potential of ultrasonic devices targeted at hedgehogs. Although ultrasonic whistles aimed at deterring larger animals like deer exist, further study is necessary to confirm their effectiveness specifically for hedgehogs. Rasmussen also emphasizes the importance of choosing the right types of sounds to avoid stress or discouraging hedgehogs from beneficial habitats such as gardens. The study, which offers fresh insight into the auditory experience of hedgehogs, was published in the journal Biology Letters
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