The hedgehog is one of Europe’s most familiar and well-loved wild mammals. Many people encounter them in gardens, hear their snuffling at dusk, or glimpse their spiny shapes moving through the night.
But sadly, across Europe, hedgehog populations are shrinking rapidly. The European hedgehog is now listed as “near threatened” on the International Union for Conversation of Nature red list for Europe. Understanding why this is happening – and what can realistically be done to halt or reverse it – has become an urgent priority.
My team’s new research shows that hedgehogs can hear high-frequency ultrasound. With this knowledge, it could be possible to design sound-based deterrents that target hedgehogs specifically, without disturbing people or their pets. In theory, ultrasonic signals could warn hedgehogs away from approaching vehicles or keep them clear of dangerous machines in the future.
