US Edition
Published • loading... • Updated
Secret of Hedgehog Hearing Discovered at Far Beyond Human Range
Oxford researchers found hedgehogs hear ultrasonic sounds up to 85 kHz, paving the way for sound repellents that could reduce road deaths killing up to one-third of local populations.
- On Tuesday, researchers led by Assistant Professor Sophie Lund Rasmussen published findings in Biology Letters showing European hedgehogs can hear ultrasound up to 85 kHz, exceeding the hearing range of humans, cats, and dogs.
- European hedgehogs are listed as "near threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with road traffic accidents killing up to one in three hedgehogs in local populations annually.
- Using Auditory Brainstem Response recordings and micro-CT scans, scientists identified a stiff chain of middle-ear bones that allows hedgehogs to transmit high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations efficiently, similar to echolocating bats.
- Rasmussen aims to collaborate with the car industry to design targeted ultrasonic repellents that could deter hedgehogs from vehicles and machinery without disturbing humans or pets, she said.
- SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes told BBC News that "although this study suggests they could offer greater protection for hedgehogs on our roads, more detailed research is needed to understand their effectiveness.
Insights by Ground AI
31 Articles
31 Articles
Hedgehogs found to have mysterious superpower that exceeds human perception
Scientists at the University of Oxford have discovered hedgehogs possess remarkable hearing abilities extending into the ultrasonic range, detecting frequencies as high as 85 kHz—well beyond what humans, dogs or cats can perceive.The groundbreaking research, published today in Biology Letters, opens up the possibility of fitting vehicles with ultrasound-emitting devices that could warn hedgehogs away from approaching traffic.Road collisions curr…
·London, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Oxford MailReposted by 
thisisoxfordshire.co.uk
thisisoxfordshire.co.ukNew study discovers hedgehogs can hear ultrasound and it could save lives
An Oxford University has revealed that hedgehogs can hear at frequencies way beyond the range of people - and it might just save their lives.
·Oxford, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
New research may hold the key to fewer hedgehogs killed in traffic.
·Copenhagen, Denmark
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources31
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution65% Center
Bias Distribution
- 65% of the sources are Center
65% Center
L 30%
C 65%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
