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European hedgehogs hear a broad ultrasonic range

A close-up photograph of a live hedgehog with prominent spines on its back, resting on a natural ground surface with moss and organic debris visible.
Research area:AnatomyWildlifeWildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation

What the study found

European hedgehogs can hear a broad ultrasonic range, with sensitivity measured from at least 4 to 85 kHz and a peak around 40 kHz. The study also found that the ear has small middle ear bones and an inner ear with a cochlear spiral of about 1.7 turns.

Why the authors say this matters

The authors say this could improve understanding of hedgehog sensory biology. They also conclude that these findings may help inform the development of ultrasonic repellents to reduce traffic collisions and habitat disturbances.

What the researchers tested

The researchers used auditory brainstem response testing, a way of measuring hearing through brain activity, on 20 live hedgehogs from Danish wildlife rescue centres. They also used postmortem micro-CT scans, a detailed X-ray imaging method, to reconstruct the inner ear in three dimensions.

What worked and what didn't

Auditory brainstem response testing showed hearing thresholds across 4-85 kHz, with the strongest sensitivity around 40 kHz. The micro-CT scans provided a detailed 3D view of the inner ear, including small middle ear bones and a cochlear spiral of approximately 1.7 turns.

What to keep in mind

The abstract does not describe major limitations beyond the study scope. The findings are based on 20 hedgehogs from wildlife rescue centres and on postmortem imaging for ear anatomy.

Key points

  • European hedgehogs showed hearing sensitivity from at least 4 to 85 kHz.
  • Peak hearing sensitivity was around 40 kHz.
  • Postmortem micro-CT scans showed small middle ear bones and a cochlear spiral of about 1.7 turns.
  • The authors say the findings may help inform ultrasonic repellents to reduce collisions and habitat disturbances.

Disclosure

Research title:
European hedgehogs hear a broad ultrasonic range
Authors:
Sophie Lund Rasmussen, David W. Macdonald, Rikke Nora Rosenkvist Hansen, Heidi Maria Thomsen, Henrik Lauridsen, Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup, Jakob Christensen-Dalsgaard
Institutions:
University of Copenhagen, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, University of Oxford, IT University of Copenhagen, Augenklinik Heidelberg, Aarhus University, Aarhus University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark
Publication date:
2026-03-11
DOI:
10.1098/rsbl.2025.0535
OpenAlex record:
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AI provenance: This post was generated by OpenAI. The original authors did not write or review this post.

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