European hedgehogs, despite their tough exterior, are facing a 30% population decline and are now considered 'near threatened'. Urban development and habitat fragmentation increase their risk of road accidents, which kill a significant portion of them. However, researchers from the University of Oxford have discovered that hedgehogs can hear high-frequency ultrasound, which could be used to deter them from roads, potentially reducing road traffic accidents. The study involved testing hedgehogs' hearing with sound bursts and revealed their ability to perceive ultrasonic sounds. Future efforts aim to develop sound repellents for vehicles and other threats. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)