Target: Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen
Goal: Support installation of wildlife-deterring repellents into automobiles.
As many as one-quarter of animal deaths in the wild are attributable to vehicle strikes. For hedgehogs in Europe, these numbers can rise to nearly one-third. But a new study regarding the dwindling European hedgehog populations may offer new hope.
An anatomical analysis of hedgehogs has revealed the animals’ inner ears are capable of picking up extremely high frequencies well outside of the human range of hearing. Researchers believe they can leverage this information to create ultrasound devices that would repel approaching hedgehogs. If these devices were incorporated into the designs of vehicles and of other mechanical dangers like lawnmowers, then thousands of deaths could be prevented. And if this initiative proved successful, it could perhaps be adapted to create repellents for other at-risk animals such as dogs.
Sign the petition below to encourage investment in this innovative approach to wildlife conservation.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Schäfer,
Fatal vehicle strikes claim the lives of countless wildlife and pets every year. If a form of deterrence could be created that would curtail these tragedies, a large percentage of people would likely consider it a worthwhile investment. A University of Oxford researcher is shining the spotlight on one such promising development.
The researcher asserted the following: “Having discovered that hedgehogs can hear in ultrasound, the next stage will be to find collaborators within the car industry to fund and design sound repellents for cars. If our future research shows that it proves possible to design an effective device to keep hedgehogs away from cars, this could have a significant impact in reducing the threat of road traffic to the declining European hedgehog.” And if a revolutionary repellent can be found for hedgehogs, this technology could theoretically one day be applied to other animals in danger of ending their lives as roadkill.
As Europe’s leading automaker, please consider a progressive partnership that could build your reputation as a company committed to eco-friendly growth and that could save the lives of countless living beings.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Oleh Korzh
