Biologists of Moscow State University told about the “erotic” dances of hedgehogs

Several reasons led to the mating of the southern and ordinary hedgehogs. One of them is spatial. Populations are isolated from each other, and after a new meeting, hybrids are formed.

According to “Gazeta.ru” with reference to the press service of Moscow State University, the first traces of hybridization of two species of hedgehogs were discovered at the beginning of the 21st century. They have different habits and habits, so biologists became interested in exactly how the species split and how their subsequent hybridization took place.

The common hedgehog was the first to inhabit Central Europe. The southern hedgehog survived the glaciation on the Balkan Peninsula. He came to Europe later and, apparently, replaced the common hedgehog in the north of the Baltic. Scientists believe that hybrids of two species can take on the appearance of both of the original species.

Their mating behavior is quite complex. Females secrete an odorous liquid with pheromones, and males react to the smell. To attract a friend, they begin to snort and “dance” – they circle and run from place to place. If the ritual is not performed, then mating will not occur.

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