The Infinite Monkey Cage Hedgehogs
Nov 20, 2024
Join hedgehog expert Hugh Warwick, known for his advocacy and books on the species, alongside Sophie Lund Rasmussen, Oxford researcher dubbed 'Dr. Hedgehog', and broadcaster Pam Ayres, who poetically cherishes wildlife. They dive into the quirky lives of hedgehogs, discussing mating rituals, surprising hunting skills, and quirky behaviors like self-anointing. The conversation also touches on conservation challenges, including habitat connectivity and even the threat of robotic lawn mowers, all wrapped in humor and love for these spiky mammals.
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Hedgehog Defense
- Hedgehogs uniquely lack a fight-or-flight response, initially frowning and then curling into a ball.
- Hugh Warwick humorously warns against giving hedgehogs Botox, as it would hinder this defense mechanism.
Hedgehog Reproduction
- Female hedgehogs raise hoglets alone; males leave after mating.
- Litters often have multiple fathers, which helps avoid inbreeding.
A Hedgehog Solace
- After losing her dog, Pam Ayres found solace in discovering a mother hedgehog with babies in her stable.
- This unexpected encounter provided comfort during a time of grief.