Would you like to inspect the original subtitles? These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated:
1
00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:07,000
Downloaded from
YTS.MX
2
00:00:06,564 --> 00:00:09,356
- He is
unmistakable and familiar
3
00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:13,000
Official YIFY movies site:
YTS.MX
4
00:00:09,356 --> 00:00:11,773
to every child, the hedgehog.
5
00:00:15,226 --> 00:00:18,309
Even so, he still holds many secrets.
6
00:00:23,666 --> 00:00:26,054
These primeval looking insectivores
7
00:00:26,054 --> 00:00:27,356
have populated the earth
8
00:00:27,356 --> 00:00:30,689
for millions of years, almost unchanged.
9
00:00:38,809 --> 00:00:42,139
Time and time again they
conquered new habitats,
10
00:00:42,139 --> 00:00:44,758
and even high losses
inflicted by their enemies
11
00:00:44,758 --> 00:00:48,931
could never seriously
endanger their numbers.
12
00:00:51,812 --> 00:00:54,514
As lord of snakes or fruit collector,
13
00:00:54,514 --> 00:00:56,902
the hedgehog even plays a leading role
14
00:00:56,902 --> 00:00:58,735
in many old folktales.
15
00:01:00,024 --> 00:01:02,893
And he is never too shy to
make a cheeky appearance.
16
00:01:09,393 --> 00:01:11,461
But what does it actually look like,
17
00:01:11,461 --> 00:01:14,107
they year of the hedgehog?
18
00:01:20,797 --> 00:01:24,710
Autumn, with thick fog and a
fireworks display of color,
19
00:01:24,710 --> 00:01:27,377
the year enters its final round.
20
00:01:31,541 --> 00:01:34,330
The rapidly shortening days
and falling temperatures
21
00:01:34,330 --> 00:01:36,392
cause the leaves to dance to the ground
22
00:01:36,392 --> 00:01:38,892
in their hundreds of millions.
23
00:01:41,861 --> 00:01:43,291
The squirrel is already getting ready
24
00:01:43,291 --> 00:01:45,891
for the approaching
winter, eating fatty nuts,
25
00:01:45,891 --> 00:01:48,974
and hoarding them in its food caches.
26
00:01:54,072 --> 00:01:56,192
The edible dormouse hibernates and has to
27
00:01:56,192 --> 00:02:00,359
pack on enough fat reserves
to last it for months.
28
00:02:18,941 --> 00:02:23,108
The hedgehog is also
considered a true hibernator.
29
00:02:25,309 --> 00:02:27,293
For weeks he's been searching tirelessly
30
00:02:27,293 --> 00:02:29,413
for energy-rich food.
31
00:02:29,413 --> 00:02:31,373
He's already put on some fat reserves
32
00:02:31,373 --> 00:02:33,623
for the cold winter months.
33
00:02:41,693 --> 00:02:44,192
He needs to weigh at least 500 grams
34
00:02:44,192 --> 00:02:46,359
to survive his long sleep.
35
00:02:52,883 --> 00:02:56,230
The autumn crocus is among
the last blooms of the year.
36
00:02:56,230 --> 00:02:59,647
But the hedgehog is after something else.
37
00:03:01,901 --> 00:03:03,781
Delicious windfalls provide him with
38
00:03:03,781 --> 00:03:06,480
an abundance of foods in autumn.
39
00:03:10,532 --> 00:03:13,972
The available food supply drops
along with the temperatures.
40
00:03:13,972 --> 00:03:17,132
And so the hedgehog wanders
through even larger areas
41
00:03:17,132 --> 00:03:19,632
in search of something edible.
42
00:03:24,841 --> 00:03:27,703
In the meadow's grassy
jungle another small thief
43
00:03:27,703 --> 00:03:31,120
is searching for food as well, the shrew.
44
00:03:32,121 --> 00:03:34,041
Although it closely resembles a mouse,
45
00:03:34,041 --> 00:03:37,023
the shrew is not a rodent
but an insectivore,
46
00:03:37,023 --> 00:03:40,440
and thus a near relative of the hedgehog.
47
00:03:41,921 --> 00:03:43,743
Its high metabolic rate requires it
48
00:03:43,743 --> 00:03:48,612
to eat almost constantly,
or else it quickly starves.
49
00:03:56,963 --> 00:03:58,865
Some consume insects and worms
50
00:03:58,865 --> 00:04:02,198
equivalent to their own weight each day.
51
00:04:04,534 --> 00:04:07,713
Bats are also gluttonous insectivores.
52
00:04:07,713 --> 00:04:10,323
Although they have taken
another evolutionary path,
53
00:04:10,323 --> 00:04:12,345
they are nevertheless closely related
54
00:04:12,345 --> 00:04:14,628
to shrews and hedgehogs.
55
00:04:20,962 --> 00:04:23,363
Bats are entirely nocturnal creatures
56
00:04:23,363 --> 00:04:25,740
that feed on flying insects.
57
00:04:25,740 --> 00:04:27,817
Their food supply vanishes completely
58
00:04:27,817 --> 00:04:30,249
during the cold season's frost.
59
00:04:30,249 --> 00:04:33,801
Their only chance to
survive is to hibernate.
60
00:04:33,801 --> 00:04:36,431
Species like the greater mouse-eared bat
61
00:04:36,431 --> 00:04:38,495
gather by the hundreds in autumn,
62
00:04:38,495 --> 00:04:41,162
before the upcoming hibernation.
63
00:04:43,215 --> 00:04:45,655
As early as October, some nights may see
64
00:04:45,655 --> 00:04:49,803
the ground temperature
drop to around freezing.
65
00:04:49,803 --> 00:04:51,717
Yet young and undernourished hedgehogs
66
00:04:51,717 --> 00:04:56,292
are still wandering around in
their search for more food.
67
00:05:00,994 --> 00:05:03,695
Young hedgehogs that
protract their foraging
68
00:05:03,695 --> 00:05:06,731
into late autumn are in great danger.
69
00:05:06,731 --> 00:05:08,010
Once the outside temperature
70
00:05:08,010 --> 00:05:10,051
drops below six degrees celsius,
71
00:05:10,051 --> 00:05:13,243
hedgehogs slip into a light drowse.
72
00:05:13,243 --> 00:05:17,410
If the temperature fails to
rise, they may freeze to death.
73
00:05:20,050 --> 00:05:23,467
Now it's high time to search for shelter.
74
00:05:27,032 --> 00:05:29,043
Hedgehogs don't dig their own burrows,
75
00:05:29,043 --> 00:05:33,279
but look for existing hollows
under hedges and shrubs.
76
00:05:39,932 --> 00:05:41,366
The entrance to the nest is usually
77
00:05:41,366 --> 00:05:43,374
camouflaged by dense vegetation
78
00:05:43,374 --> 00:05:47,214
and difficult to access for their enemies.
79
00:05:47,214 --> 00:05:49,433
Insulating foliage and soil make sure
80
00:05:49,433 --> 00:05:52,233
the temperature inside
never drops below freezing,
81
00:05:52,233 --> 00:05:53,684
even if the thermometer shows
82
00:05:53,684 --> 00:05:56,450
minus 20 degrees celsius outside.
83
00:06:02,260 --> 00:06:04,930
From October to April the hedgehog's nest
84
00:06:04,930 --> 00:06:07,763
provides him a safe place to stay.
85
00:06:12,890 --> 00:06:14,511
The dormouse leaves his burrow
86
00:06:14,511 --> 00:06:17,178
for the last time this year too.
87
00:06:18,358 --> 00:06:19,759
This rodent's diet includes
88
00:06:19,759 --> 00:06:21,842
a wide variety of fruits and plants.
89
00:06:30,578 --> 00:06:32,507
Hazelnuts are particularly sought after
90
00:06:32,507 --> 00:06:35,758
by the dormouse just before it hibernates.
91
00:06:35,758 --> 00:06:40,125
Their high fat content makes
them an ideal energy supply.
92
00:06:40,125 --> 00:06:42,918
Before the long sleep,
it's a virtue among dormice
93
00:06:42,918 --> 00:06:44,335
to be overweight.
94
00:06:56,494 --> 00:06:58,838
Near the end of the year the temperatures
95
00:06:58,838 --> 00:07:01,208
seldom rise above freezing.
96
00:07:01,208 --> 00:07:02,747
Now it's only a matter of time
97
00:07:02,747 --> 00:07:06,652
until frost and snow dominate the land.
98
00:07:19,487 --> 00:07:20,938
Dormice prefer to keep their
99
00:07:20,938 --> 00:07:23,527
winter quarters in hollow tree trunks.
100
00:07:23,527 --> 00:07:25,799
But occasionally they may also be found
101
00:07:25,799 --> 00:07:28,466
in the attics of country houses.
102
00:07:31,647 --> 00:07:34,508
Quite frequently several
animals share a nest,
103
00:07:34,508 --> 00:07:37,204
so they can warm each
other during their sleep,
104
00:07:37,204 --> 00:07:41,606
which some years can
last up to seven months.
105
00:07:47,471 --> 00:07:50,138
Even if everything is
frozen solid outside,
106
00:07:50,138 --> 00:07:52,138
life always finds a way.
107
00:07:53,080 --> 00:07:55,807
The hedgehog is capable
of reducing his metabolism
108
00:07:55,807 --> 00:07:57,724
to an absolute minimum.
109
00:08:00,220 --> 00:08:03,871
His entire body is now
running in power-save mode.
110
00:08:03,871 --> 00:08:07,511
His body temperature
drops by up to 30 degrees.
111
00:08:07,511 --> 00:08:11,001
His heartbeat slows from
170 beats per minute,
112
00:08:11,001 --> 00:08:12,168
to about five.
113
00:08:15,481 --> 00:08:18,801
Because of this astounding
reduction of vital functions
114
00:08:18,801 --> 00:08:22,968
the hedgehog's hibernation is
also called the small death.
115
00:08:26,631 --> 00:08:28,191
It's the only way he can survive
116
00:08:28,191 --> 00:08:31,608
the frost and cold for up to half a year.
117
00:08:34,311 --> 00:08:37,608
But hedgehogs inhabit more than
the temperate climate zones.
118
00:08:37,608 --> 00:08:40,639
They populate the entire old world.
119
00:08:44,709 --> 00:08:46,959
The desert hedgehog is perfectly adapted
120
00:08:46,959 --> 00:08:48,709
to life in dry zones.
121
00:08:52,246 --> 00:08:55,287
Since there are no cold
winters in the African deserts,
122
00:08:55,287 --> 00:08:57,870
this species doesn't hibernate.
123
00:09:02,279 --> 00:09:05,578
The desert hedgehog grows
to a mere 20 centimeters,
124
00:09:05,578 --> 00:09:08,411
and weighs no more than 500 grams.
125
00:09:10,349 --> 00:09:12,175
He is generally more brightly colored
126
00:09:12,175 --> 00:09:14,079
than his temperate zone cousins,
127
00:09:14,079 --> 00:09:17,662
and thus well adjusted
to his surroundings.
128
00:09:20,319 --> 00:09:22,189
One of his defining characteristics
129
00:09:22,189 --> 00:09:24,509
is a pair of large pointed ears.
130
00:09:24,509 --> 00:09:26,559
They are dense with
countless blood vessels
131
00:09:26,559 --> 00:09:29,476
that radiate any surplus body heat.
132
00:09:36,075 --> 00:09:38,875
Insects, lizards and
even poisonous scorpions
133
00:09:38,875 --> 00:09:41,256
are part of his diet.
134
00:09:41,256 --> 00:09:42,912
The sting of yellow scorpions can be
135
00:09:42,912 --> 00:09:46,829
particularly dangerous,
even for a human being.
136
00:09:52,326 --> 00:09:54,955
Once the desert hedgehog
catches a poisonous scorpion,
137
00:09:54,955 --> 00:09:57,872
he immediately bites off the sting.
138
00:10:00,404 --> 00:10:02,747
Without it, the arachnid is defenseless,
139
00:10:02,747 --> 00:10:06,914
and a meal the hedgehog can
consume in peaceful safety.
140
00:10:26,027 --> 00:10:28,135
In our part of the world, the sun is
141
00:10:28,135 --> 00:10:30,802
regaining its strength by March.
142
00:10:32,667 --> 00:10:36,834
Gradually the icy armor melts
and winter nears its end.
143
00:10:45,015 --> 00:10:46,894
The hedgehog is extremely sensitive
144
00:10:46,894 --> 00:10:49,928
to weather changes near his nest.
145
00:10:49,928 --> 00:10:51,958
The last days of vernal temperatures
146
00:10:51,958 --> 00:10:55,208
stimulated his so-called wake-up phase.
147
00:10:58,278 --> 00:11:00,936
Hormonal influences
mobilize his fat reserves
148
00:11:00,936 --> 00:11:02,907
for body heat production.
149
00:11:02,907 --> 00:11:04,816
His heart beats faster, and his
150
00:11:04,816 --> 00:11:07,744
body temperature keeps rising.
151
00:11:11,676 --> 00:11:15,976
This wake-up phase can
last for several hours.
152
00:11:24,305 --> 00:11:27,477
The spring awakening can't
be delayed any longer.
153
00:11:27,477 --> 00:11:29,346
Life returns everywhere.
154
00:11:29,346 --> 00:11:31,585
Cold and frost are only a memory.
155
00:11:39,327 --> 00:11:41,166
Meanwhile the hedgehog has
156
00:11:41,166 --> 00:11:43,583
completely shaken off his hibernation.
157
00:11:43,583 --> 00:11:47,193
Usually he leaves his
winter quarters by April.
158
00:11:51,523 --> 00:11:55,030
During the winter months he
lost about 40% of his weight.
159
00:11:55,030 --> 00:11:59,197
Now the order of the day is
to quickly regain strength.
160
00:12:02,472 --> 00:12:04,563
The immediate search for food and water
161
00:12:04,563 --> 00:12:08,353
is imperative for his
launch into another year.
162
00:12:21,195 --> 00:12:23,911
Although hedgehogs are mostly nocturnal,
163
00:12:23,911 --> 00:12:28,078
in spring hunger drives
them out during the day too.
164
00:12:31,305 --> 00:12:32,883
Even in bright sunshine,
165
00:12:32,883 --> 00:12:35,963
the spiky fellow's
vision is only moderate.
166
00:12:35,963 --> 00:12:38,803
Hedgehogs rely mainly on
their fine sense of smell
167
00:12:38,803 --> 00:12:42,470
and excellent hearing
to get their bearings.
168
00:12:44,723 --> 00:12:47,233
The sounds of rustling
leaves and flowing water
169
00:12:47,233 --> 00:12:49,955
are helpful acoustic markers..
170
00:12:55,587 --> 00:12:57,217
In spring the hedgehogs prove their
171
00:12:57,217 --> 00:13:01,164
adaptability and resilience
time and time again.
172
00:13:01,164 --> 00:13:02,595
On their search for food,
173
00:13:02,595 --> 00:13:05,678
they even cross extended snow fields.
174
00:13:11,634 --> 00:13:13,933
Equally fearless, the hardy common frogs
175
00:13:13,933 --> 00:13:16,965
are unimpressed by the
last patches of snow.
176
00:13:16,965 --> 00:13:19,854
Encouraged by the spring
sun, one after another,
177
00:13:19,854 --> 00:13:22,755
they set out, still somewhat stiff-legged,
178
00:13:22,755 --> 00:13:24,838
for their spawning ponds.
179
00:13:33,367 --> 00:13:35,305
Even though, according to the calendar,
180
00:13:35,305 --> 00:13:37,145
it's been spring for quite a while,
181
00:13:37,145 --> 00:13:41,025
the icy wind returns, driving snowflakes.
182
00:13:41,025 --> 00:13:43,735
Winter reports back briefly,
dotting snow crystals
183
00:13:43,735 --> 00:13:45,985
between the spring flowers.
184
00:13:48,436 --> 00:13:51,335
For the hedgehog, weakened
by his hibernation,
185
00:13:51,335 --> 00:13:54,215
this is a particularly dangerous time.
186
00:13:54,215 --> 00:13:57,916
He usually can't find his
winter burrow any more.
187
00:13:57,916 --> 00:13:59,607
With no suitable shelter,
188
00:13:59,607 --> 00:14:02,857
a severe cold spell may mean his death.
189
00:14:06,585 --> 00:14:09,545
But soon spring cannot
be detained any longer,
190
00:14:09,545 --> 00:14:12,795
and the hibernating insects awaken too.
191
00:14:20,020 --> 00:14:23,549
ground beetles discharge a
smelly secretion upon touch,
192
00:14:23,549 --> 00:14:27,999
but they are still the
hedgehog's favorite prey.
193
00:14:35,890 --> 00:14:38,149
countless snow-melt puddles provide
194
00:14:38,149 --> 00:14:40,989
ideal opportunities to drink.
195
00:14:40,989 --> 00:14:43,661
The hedgehog needs plenty
of liquid in spring,
196
00:14:43,661 --> 00:14:47,549
because during his hibernation,
he didn't drink anything.
197
00:14:51,770 --> 00:14:55,359
Frogspawn is probably not the
hedgehog's preferred flavor,
198
00:14:55,359 --> 00:14:57,272
but when they are hungry enough,
199
00:14:57,272 --> 00:15:00,772
amphibian caviar may be on their menu too.
200
00:15:16,492 --> 00:15:18,729
Once the trees are in full flower,
201
00:15:18,729 --> 00:15:21,977
the hardships of winter are finally past.
202
00:15:21,977 --> 00:15:24,016
In climatically favored regions,
203
00:15:24,016 --> 00:15:28,371
as in the south of Austria,
hedgehogs thrive particularly.
204
00:15:28,371 --> 00:15:32,538
These heat islands provide
a wealth of tasty insects.
205
00:15:37,419 --> 00:15:39,527
Here, a European green lizard
206
00:15:39,527 --> 00:15:42,568
shares its habitat with the hedgehogs.
207
00:15:42,568 --> 00:15:44,311
Meetings rarely occur though,
208
00:15:44,311 --> 00:15:46,940
because the lizard loves direct sunlight,
209
00:15:46,940 --> 00:15:49,440
which hedgehogs tend to avoid.
210
00:15:51,031 --> 00:15:53,071
The European bee eater also prefers
211
00:15:53,071 --> 00:15:55,300
a Mediterranean micro-climate
212
00:15:55,300 --> 00:15:59,860
and is frequently found
in wine growing regions.
213
00:15:59,860 --> 00:16:02,441
In wine country the
hedgehogs thrive as well.
214
00:16:02,441 --> 00:16:05,380
The near-natural landscapes,
which are rarely mowed,
215
00:16:05,380 --> 00:16:10,127
offer an ideal environment
for these spiky inhabitants.
216
00:16:14,751 --> 00:16:18,441
Despite their stubby legs, no
more than 10 centimeters long,
217
00:16:18,441 --> 00:16:21,641
hedgehogs are capable
long-distance runners.
218
00:16:21,641 --> 00:16:25,808
They can cover more than two
kilometers in a single day.
219
00:16:38,208 --> 00:16:40,557
The little ringed plover builds its nest
220
00:16:40,557 --> 00:16:42,474
directly on the ground.
221
00:16:44,327 --> 00:16:47,357
And despite its eggs being
perfectly camouflaged,
222
00:16:47,357 --> 00:16:49,690
the bird has to be watchful.
223
00:17:02,636 --> 00:17:04,888
Hedgehogs love a good dinner,
224
00:17:04,888 --> 00:17:06,768
even newly hatched peewit chicks
225
00:17:06,768 --> 00:17:10,351
can easily become a
hungry hedgehog's prey.
226
00:17:15,917 --> 00:17:19,078
Peewits are precocial
birds; they leave their nest
227
00:17:19,078 --> 00:17:21,745
just a few hours after hatching.
228
00:17:23,838 --> 00:17:25,667
Once the chicks are older than a week,
229
00:17:25,667 --> 00:17:27,019
they stand a good chance of
230
00:17:27,019 --> 00:17:30,269
surviving an encounter with a hedgehog.
231
00:17:38,880 --> 00:17:41,353
The spiky fellow strolling past shows
232
00:17:41,353 --> 00:17:44,936
only moderate interest
in the young peewit.
233
00:17:53,381 --> 00:17:57,581
A hedgehog's territory can
stretch as far as 20 hectares.
234
00:17:57,581 --> 00:18:00,583
The extent depends mostly on
the available food supply,
235
00:18:00,583 --> 00:18:03,166
which changes with the seasons.
236
00:18:05,449 --> 00:18:07,044
When the dandelions wither
237
00:18:07,044 --> 00:18:09,051
and their little seed umbrellas fly,
238
00:18:09,051 --> 00:18:10,968
spring comes to an end.
239
00:18:20,484 --> 00:18:23,823
Many hedgehog males are
now rambling far afield.
240
00:18:23,823 --> 00:18:26,932
Some of them cover an area of
more than a square kilometer
241
00:18:26,932 --> 00:18:29,599
in the course of just one month.
242
00:18:32,283 --> 00:18:34,602
During such substantial travels,
243
00:18:34,602 --> 00:18:36,503
their path frequently leads them
244
00:18:36,503 --> 00:18:39,123
along edges of forests and meadows.
245
00:18:39,123 --> 00:18:43,290
They prefer low vegetation,
which is easier to navigate.
246
00:18:49,204 --> 00:18:52,246
The reason driving these
extensive journeys is,
247
00:18:52,246 --> 00:18:54,496
as usual, to find a female.
248
00:18:57,527 --> 00:18:59,796
Without much ado, the mating ritual,
249
00:18:59,796 --> 00:19:03,841
also known as the
hedgehog carousel begins.
250
00:19:09,232 --> 00:19:12,152
The male circles the female repeatedly,
251
00:19:12,152 --> 00:19:14,373
but the chosen female makes a fuss
252
00:19:14,373 --> 00:19:17,706
and gives her suitor the spiky shoulder.
253
00:19:19,933 --> 00:19:23,433
Often this rough courtship can take hours.
254
00:19:28,072 --> 00:19:30,893
If however, the male proves
sufficiently enduring,
255
00:19:30,893 --> 00:19:32,739
he is rewarded.
256
00:19:32,739 --> 00:19:36,739
In the end, the female
gives in to the pressure.
257
00:19:43,792 --> 00:19:45,180
The two loners quickly
258
00:19:45,180 --> 00:19:48,123
go their separate ways again after mating.
259
00:19:48,123 --> 00:19:50,853
The male does not participate
in raising the young.
260
00:19:50,853 --> 00:19:52,941
Instead he immediately starts looking
261
00:19:52,941 --> 00:19:55,341
for more fertile females.
262
00:19:55,341 --> 00:19:59,273
He can mate several
times in a single night.
263
00:20:04,891 --> 00:20:07,523
Landscape cultivation and
the construction of cities
264
00:20:07,523 --> 00:20:11,690
have added to the variety
of the hedgehog's world.
265
00:20:15,971 --> 00:20:19,471
But the spiky mammals are quite adaptable.
266
00:20:22,011 --> 00:20:24,091
They have conquered
rural gardens as well as
267
00:20:24,091 --> 00:20:27,258
central city parks for their habitats.
268
00:20:31,891 --> 00:20:33,610
Hedgehogs are always guided by
269
00:20:33,610 --> 00:20:36,473
their distinctive sense of smell.
270
00:20:36,473 --> 00:20:40,640
They can smell their prey from
a distance of several meters.
271
00:20:44,689 --> 00:20:46,473
Artificial light sources attract
272
00:20:46,473 --> 00:20:48,973
countless insects every night.
273
00:20:56,451 --> 00:20:58,929
Just like the moths, the spiky hunters
274
00:20:58,929 --> 00:21:01,096
are drawn to the lamp too.
275
00:21:03,473 --> 00:21:05,702
Swarming around the artificial moon
276
00:21:05,702 --> 00:21:08,363
gradually tires the insects.
277
00:21:08,363 --> 00:21:12,280
Many moths and bug fall
helpless to the ground.
278
00:21:17,582 --> 00:21:19,651
A stroke of luck for the hedgehog,
279
00:21:19,651 --> 00:21:23,151
a sumptuous banquet is about to be served.
280
00:21:28,683 --> 00:21:31,451
The dazed insects are
an ideal food source,
281
00:21:31,451 --> 00:21:35,618
as hedgehogs naturally prefer
slow and easily caught prey.
282
00:21:41,811 --> 00:21:45,978
Everything is consumed, even
the chitinous wing of a moth.
283
00:21:53,131 --> 00:21:55,393
In this aspect, urbanization offers
284
00:21:55,393 --> 00:21:58,210
a new advantage for the hedgehogs.
285
00:21:58,210 --> 00:22:00,171
Park lamps create food sources that
286
00:22:00,171 --> 00:22:03,134
simply didn't exist
before the technical age.
287
00:22:16,283 --> 00:22:19,253
Three weeks have passed since mating.
288
00:22:19,253 --> 00:22:23,035
The pregnant female has
already gained about 150 grams,
289
00:22:23,035 --> 00:22:25,535
and is due to deliver shortly.
290
00:22:29,835 --> 00:22:32,323
She starts to search
for a suitable shelter,
291
00:22:32,323 --> 00:22:36,490
where she can give birth
to her young undisturbed.
292
00:22:41,083 --> 00:22:43,072
Here too, the proximity of humans
293
00:22:43,072 --> 00:22:45,489
often proves to be a benefit.
294
00:22:47,483 --> 00:22:50,534
Piles of collected leaves or
wood stacks at the forest edge
295
00:22:50,534 --> 00:22:53,951
provide excellent hedgehog hiding places.
296
00:23:00,355 --> 00:23:02,384
Other animals' abandoned burrows
297
00:23:02,384 --> 00:23:07,283
are also frequently used
as places to give birth.
298
00:23:07,283 --> 00:23:09,115
Hedgehogs in our part of the world
299
00:23:09,115 --> 00:23:11,424
usually deliver once a year.
300
00:23:11,424 --> 00:23:13,924
Two litters are the exception.
301
00:23:17,694 --> 00:23:19,203
Following a pregnancy of about
302
00:23:19,203 --> 00:23:22,483
four to six weeks, labor starts.
303
00:23:22,483 --> 00:23:26,650
On average, five hoglets
mature in the female's body.
304
00:23:32,294 --> 00:23:34,603
To avoid hurting the mother, their spikes
305
00:23:34,603 --> 00:23:38,686
are embedded in the skin
of their backs at birth.
306
00:23:44,094 --> 00:23:46,923
Just a few hours later,
the first white spikes
307
00:23:46,923 --> 00:23:49,469
already start to poke out.
308
00:24:05,929 --> 00:24:07,729
After a few days, the first set
309
00:24:07,729 --> 00:24:10,391
is replaced by the
individual pigmented spikes
310
00:24:10,391 --> 00:24:12,141
that begin to sprout.
311
00:24:14,249 --> 00:24:16,999
Hedgehog babies exclusively
feed on mother's milk
312
00:24:16,999 --> 00:24:19,916
during the first weeks after birth.
313
00:24:27,729 --> 00:24:31,297
Feeding her young takes an
enormous toll on the mother.
314
00:24:31,297 --> 00:24:34,714
Now she requires a lot of water and food.
315
00:24:43,067 --> 00:24:44,940
Time and again she leaves the burrow
316
00:24:44,940 --> 00:24:46,998
in search for something to eat.
317
00:24:46,998 --> 00:24:51,165
Her completely helpless
hoglets must be left behind.
318
00:24:57,959 --> 00:25:01,229
If she falls victim to an
enemy during her expeditions,
319
00:25:01,229 --> 00:25:04,646
her offspring would be unable to survive.
320
00:25:09,701 --> 00:25:12,309
While the hedgehog babies
are alone in the burrow,
321
00:25:12,309 --> 00:25:15,559
they cuddle tightly to warm each other.
322
00:25:16,829 --> 00:25:18,947
They are still unable to see or walk,
323
00:25:18,947 --> 00:25:22,114
and spend most of their time sleeping.
324
00:25:29,357 --> 00:25:33,024
Time is always a relative
concept in nature.
325
00:25:36,121 --> 00:25:38,581
Before a deciduous forest roof is formed,
326
00:25:38,581 --> 00:25:41,248
for example, centuries may pass.
327
00:25:43,491 --> 00:25:45,881
Yet it takes only a few
weeks for baby hedgehogs
328
00:25:45,881 --> 00:25:48,381
to turn into feisty teenagers.
329
00:25:51,441 --> 00:25:53,830
Their mother still keeps
her searches for food
330
00:25:53,830 --> 00:25:55,580
as brief as possible.
331
00:26:00,655 --> 00:26:03,100
The hoglets are now 15 centimeters long
332
00:26:03,100 --> 00:26:05,267
and weigh about 150 grams.
333
00:26:06,151 --> 00:26:08,457
Their eyes are fully
developed and their spikes
334
00:26:08,457 --> 00:26:12,290
already show the typical
beige-brown coloring.
335
00:26:17,339 --> 00:26:20,436
At about 21 days of
age, the young hedgehogs
336
00:26:20,436 --> 00:26:24,166
already sport their complete
set of primary teeth.
337
00:26:24,166 --> 00:26:26,345
At about 3 1/2 weeks, they leave
338
00:26:26,345 --> 00:26:30,262
their familiar surroundings
for the first time.
339
00:26:34,356 --> 00:26:36,036
Curious and full of energy,
340
00:26:36,036 --> 00:26:39,619
they discover a new world full of wonders.
341
00:26:47,287 --> 00:26:49,079
The forest clearing is a giant
342
00:26:49,079 --> 00:26:52,681
adventure playground for
this hedgehog kindergarten.
343
00:26:52,681 --> 00:26:54,209
Each square centimeter offers
344
00:26:54,209 --> 00:26:57,729
a flood of impressions
for their sensitive noses.
345
00:27:08,232 --> 00:27:10,464
The next weeks are even more exhausting
346
00:27:10,464 --> 00:27:12,182
for the hedgehog mother.
347
00:27:12,182 --> 00:27:16,349
She has to keep a constant eye
on her boisterous offspring.
348
00:27:24,473 --> 00:27:28,155
On their journeys, the hoglets
follow their mother closely.
349
00:27:28,155 --> 00:27:32,322
This behavior is innate and
doesn't have to be learned.
350
00:27:36,424 --> 00:27:38,296
During every break, the mother
351
00:27:38,296 --> 00:27:40,405
is surrounded by her children.
352
00:27:40,405 --> 00:27:44,572
They are allowed to drink and
get warm again at any time.
353
00:27:46,712 --> 00:27:48,144
Successful foraging is a
354
00:27:48,144 --> 00:27:51,005
long learning process
for the small hedgehogs.
355
00:27:51,005 --> 00:27:55,005
At first, everything that
seems edible is tried.
356
00:27:58,515 --> 00:28:01,302
Stumbling upon new or
especially intense smells,
357
00:28:01,302 --> 00:28:04,941
hedgehogs exhibit a remarkable behavior.
358
00:28:04,941 --> 00:28:07,544
They spit saliva on their shoulder.
359
00:28:07,544 --> 00:28:09,744
The purpose of their covering themselves
360
00:28:09,744 --> 00:28:13,171
with mucous remains unknown to science.
361
00:28:25,549 --> 00:28:27,300
In the course of just a few days,
362
00:28:27,300 --> 00:28:30,251
the young hedgehogs have
already learned a lot.
363
00:28:30,251 --> 00:28:34,334
Their keen interest in
bugs may be innate though.
364
00:28:41,701 --> 00:28:43,628
Even the hoglets are already equipped
365
00:28:43,628 --> 00:28:45,741
with needle-sharp teeth that easily deal
366
00:28:45,741 --> 00:28:47,908
with hard shelled insects.
367
00:28:55,549 --> 00:28:57,799
As the hoglets' hunting skills increase,
368
00:28:57,799 --> 00:29:01,966
the available quantity of
mother's milk decreases in turn.
369
00:29:04,628 --> 00:29:06,688
Hoglets grow quickly, and each of them
370
00:29:06,688 --> 00:29:09,371
already has about 2,000 spikes,
371
00:29:09,371 --> 00:29:13,538
the most prominent characteristic
of their appearance.
372
00:29:15,731 --> 00:29:18,000
They continue to be
regularly warmed though,
373
00:29:18,000 --> 00:29:21,250
because they're very sensitive to cold.
374
00:29:34,078 --> 00:29:36,581
Just how swiftly a year in nature passes
375
00:29:36,581 --> 00:29:38,560
can be measured in many ways.
376
00:29:38,560 --> 00:29:39,851
A few weeks are enough
377
00:29:39,851 --> 00:29:43,851
for the meadows to
completely change their look.
378
00:29:46,787 --> 00:29:49,509
The young hedgehogs have
grown into adolescents.
379
00:29:49,509 --> 00:29:51,920
They have become especially fine runners,
380
00:29:51,920 --> 00:29:56,087
and can hardly find room
under their mother any more.
381
00:30:03,789 --> 00:30:07,171
Soon the female hedgehog's
milk production ceases.
382
00:30:07,171 --> 00:30:09,129
It's an unambiguous sign for her
383
00:30:09,129 --> 00:30:12,546
to leave her offspring to their own fate.
384
00:30:18,589 --> 00:30:21,501
At first the siblings are
unaware of the new situation,
385
00:30:21,501 --> 00:30:23,918
but it means parting forever.
386
00:30:24,919 --> 00:30:28,911
They will never see their mother again.
387
00:30:35,131 --> 00:30:39,320
At last the hoglets have to
become fully independent.
388
00:30:39,320 --> 00:30:42,160
The life of a loner is ahead of them.
389
00:30:42,160 --> 00:30:46,327
Each starts to look for a
territory of his or her own.
390
00:30:54,840 --> 00:30:56,838
Meadows and the edges of forests
391
00:30:56,838 --> 00:30:59,320
offer perfect conditions
for young hedgehogs
392
00:30:59,320 --> 00:31:02,903
striking off into an
independent existence.
393
00:31:05,272 --> 00:31:07,552
What's most critical
about these environments
394
00:31:07,552 --> 00:31:10,720
is their diversity, because
near-natural landscapes
395
00:31:10,720 --> 00:31:13,803
host the greatest variety of insects.
396
00:31:18,808 --> 00:31:20,739
Hedgehogs are tough and able to
397
00:31:20,739 --> 00:31:23,451
come to terms with many an obstacle.
398
00:31:23,451 --> 00:31:26,832
Just how adaptable they are is
proven by their family tree,
399
00:31:26,832 --> 00:31:30,249
reaching back more than 60 million years.
400
00:31:32,552 --> 00:31:34,600
Always following their sensitive noses,
401
00:31:34,600 --> 00:31:36,741
their path occasionally leads them
402
00:31:36,741 --> 00:31:40,408
to the edges of forests
and even deeper too.
403
00:31:55,664 --> 00:31:58,747
giant eyes peer into the dark forest.
404
00:32:02,213 --> 00:32:06,380
The Eurasian eagle owl, Europe's
biggest owl, goes hunting.
405
00:32:09,213 --> 00:32:10,904
Even in total darkness,
406
00:32:10,904 --> 00:32:15,071
it is capable of spotting
its prey, small mammals.
407
00:32:18,933 --> 00:32:21,850
Its hearing is superlative as well.
408
00:32:25,314 --> 00:32:27,433
Despite a wingspan of one meter,
409
00:32:27,433 --> 00:32:30,401
the eagle owl flies
without making a sound,
410
00:32:30,401 --> 00:32:33,043
due to its silky-soft plumage.
411
00:32:33,043 --> 00:32:36,793
Its prey can't hear the
eagle owl's approach.
412
00:32:41,563 --> 00:32:45,730
The hedgehog is part of the
eagle owl's regular diet.
413
00:32:49,533 --> 00:32:52,144
Long before he's aware of any danger,
414
00:32:52,144 --> 00:32:55,382
the eagle owl has already spotted him.
415
00:33:08,685 --> 00:33:10,555
Thus many young hedgehogs end up
416
00:33:10,555 --> 00:33:13,284
as other hunters' prey every year.
417
00:33:13,284 --> 00:33:16,315
But their loss is accounted
for in the ecosystem,
418
00:33:16,315 --> 00:33:19,315
and it doesn't endanger the species.
419
00:33:21,264 --> 00:33:24,460
The beech martin also
leads a nocturnal life.
420
00:33:24,460 --> 00:33:28,627
And occasionally the paths
of hedgehog and martin cross.
421
00:33:31,904 --> 00:33:33,704
But caution is advised;
422
00:33:33,704 --> 00:33:36,954
hedgehogs know how to use their spikes.
423
00:33:49,864 --> 00:33:53,555
The hedgehog's greatest modern
threat is the human being.
424
00:33:53,555 --> 00:33:56,213
The relentless extension
of our traffic systems
425
00:33:56,213 --> 00:33:59,113
cuts through the animals' habitats.
426
00:33:59,113 --> 00:34:00,955
Hedgehogs tend to move slowly,
427
00:34:00,955 --> 00:34:04,372
and fail to recognize approaching danger.
428
00:34:11,704 --> 00:34:13,264
Millions of hedgehogs die
429
00:34:13,264 --> 00:34:16,264
on Central Europe's roads each year.
430
00:34:22,003 --> 00:34:23,664
And it is particularly tragic
431
00:34:23,664 --> 00:34:27,075
if a hedgehog mother is killed.
432
00:34:27,075 --> 00:34:29,123
If her hoglets are older than five weeks,
433
00:34:29,123 --> 00:34:31,790
they stand a chance of survival.
434
00:34:35,384 --> 00:34:39,551
Small orphaned hoglets are
often rescued by animal lovers.
435
00:34:49,240 --> 00:34:53,368
Proper nutrition is crucial
to successfully raising them.
436
00:34:53,368 --> 00:34:55,480
Hoglets must never be fed cows' milk
437
00:34:55,480 --> 00:34:57,897
or formula for human infants.
438
00:35:01,448 --> 00:35:04,910
These cause diarrhea and
intestinal inflammations
439
00:35:04,910 --> 00:35:07,160
that are lethal to hoglets.
440
00:35:11,960 --> 00:35:14,390
Diluted cats' milk,
available in pet shops,
441
00:35:14,390 --> 00:35:16,223
has proven to be best.
442
00:35:23,568 --> 00:35:26,379
The raising of hedgehogs
is very labor intensive
443
00:35:26,379 --> 00:35:30,546
because the smallest ones
must be fed every three hours.
444
00:35:36,950 --> 00:35:40,110
Central Europe's landscapes
are particularly diverse,
445
00:35:40,110 --> 00:35:43,611
reaching from the lowlands
to the mountain regions.
446
00:35:43,611 --> 00:35:46,470
As the one sturdy
inhabitant you still find
447
00:35:46,470 --> 00:35:49,770
up as far as about 2,500
meters above sea-level
448
00:35:49,770 --> 00:35:51,103
is the hedgehog.
449
00:36:01,378 --> 00:36:05,545
They even traverse inhospitable
habitats like moors.
450
00:36:09,400 --> 00:36:12,470
Moors are landscapes that
are almost always wet
451
00:36:12,470 --> 00:36:15,840
and consequently rather uninviting.
452
00:36:15,840 --> 00:36:17,738
However, they are also among the most
453
00:36:17,738 --> 00:36:20,530
untouched stretches of nature.
454
00:36:20,530 --> 00:36:23,297
Peat moss and dwarf shrubs
are perfectly adjusted
455
00:36:23,297 --> 00:36:25,372
to these extreme conditions.
456
00:36:35,410 --> 00:36:37,518
If a hedgehog ends up in the moor,
457
00:36:37,518 --> 00:36:40,577
he simply carries on with
his favorite occupation,
458
00:36:40,577 --> 00:36:43,160
searching for something to eat.
459
00:36:45,878 --> 00:36:47,878
All sorts of bugs and small animals
460
00:36:47,878 --> 00:36:50,718
have adapted themselves
to the moist conditions,
461
00:36:50,718 --> 00:36:52,635
but they are not alone.
462
00:36:53,508 --> 00:36:55,497
The common European adder
463
00:36:55,497 --> 00:36:57,980
is another typical moor inhabitant.
464
00:37:06,572 --> 00:37:09,431
It is one of our few
native poisonous snakes,
465
00:37:09,431 --> 00:37:11,431
and avoids human beings.
466
00:37:12,631 --> 00:37:14,812
In the past, people
believed that hedgehogs
467
00:37:14,812 --> 00:37:17,895
were immune against the adder's bite.
468
00:37:20,548 --> 00:37:23,041
This superstition gave
the spiky adventurer
469
00:37:23,041 --> 00:37:25,458
the nickname, lord of snakes.
470
00:37:31,812 --> 00:37:35,092
Indeed, hedgehogs are not
uninterested in snakes,
471
00:37:35,092 --> 00:37:38,509
and often regard them as animals of prey.
472
00:37:44,283 --> 00:37:47,132
But an adder is well defended.
473
00:37:47,132 --> 00:37:50,381
Rather than fleeing when
under threat, it will attack.
474
00:37:55,798 --> 00:37:58,859
like a knight in armor, the
hedgehog protects himself
475
00:37:58,859 --> 00:38:00,859
with his prickly shield.
476
00:38:06,251 --> 00:38:07,698
If the adder manages to bite
477
00:38:07,698 --> 00:38:10,081
his sensitive face or
stomach region though,
478
00:38:10,081 --> 00:38:12,414
the hedgehog can be injured.
479
00:38:13,428 --> 00:38:16,001
But hedgehogs are masters of self-defense.
480
00:38:16,001 --> 00:38:18,641
He rapidly raises his spines
481
00:38:18,641 --> 00:38:21,761
and the adder's poisoned
fangs are rendered useless by
482
00:38:21,761 --> 00:38:26,070
the sudden appearance of
8,000 individual spears.
483
00:38:26,070 --> 00:38:27,499
The only chance she has to
484
00:38:27,499 --> 00:38:29,971
avoid turning into a
hedgehog meal after all,
485
00:38:29,971 --> 00:38:31,471
is to take flight.
486
00:38:42,099 --> 00:38:44,731
Moors heat up extremely in the summer.
487
00:38:44,731 --> 00:38:48,590
Pine trees that could offer
cooling shade do not grow here.
488
00:38:48,590 --> 00:38:50,281
They cannot thrive in this earth,
489
00:38:50,281 --> 00:38:52,731
as it is full of water like a sponge,
490
00:38:52,731 --> 00:38:55,641
not ground water, but rain water.
491
00:39:01,387 --> 00:39:03,745
summer thunderstorms play a vital part
492
00:39:03,745 --> 00:39:06,008
in nature's moisture regulation,
493
00:39:06,008 --> 00:39:08,675
even if they are causing floods.
494
00:39:11,397 --> 00:39:15,564
Hedgehogs are tough, but
they can't stand heavy rain.
495
00:39:23,755 --> 00:39:27,037
Ceaseless rain causes the
mountain torrents to swell,
496
00:39:27,037 --> 00:39:30,287
and the forests to be deluged in water.
497
00:39:35,367 --> 00:39:37,550
Now the ground is particularly tricky
498
00:39:37,550 --> 00:39:40,598
and it's all too easy to slip.
499
00:39:40,598 --> 00:39:42,356
If a hedgehog falls into the water,
500
00:39:42,356 --> 00:39:44,419
he's not hopelessly lost.
501
00:39:44,419 --> 00:39:46,619
Hedgehogs are quite acceptable swimmers,
502
00:39:46,619 --> 00:39:48,619
but they lack endurance.
503
00:39:52,448 --> 00:39:53,939
If he doesn't want to drown,
504
00:39:53,939 --> 00:39:56,550
he has to reach the shore within minutes.
505
00:40:09,434 --> 00:40:11,795
for ages, humans and animals have
506
00:40:11,795 --> 00:40:14,462
lived together closely on farms.
507
00:40:15,868 --> 00:40:17,857
Farm animals quite often give a reason
508
00:40:17,857 --> 00:40:20,956
for their wild cousins
to feel attracted too.
509
00:40:24,545 --> 00:40:26,508
as far as the hedgehog is concerned,
510
00:40:26,508 --> 00:40:29,606
the pasture's short grass
is easy to wander through
511
00:40:29,606 --> 00:40:31,836
and there are always plenty of insects
512
00:40:31,836 --> 00:40:33,836
around domestic animals.
513
00:40:41,030 --> 00:40:43,015
But the goats' intensive smell
514
00:40:43,015 --> 00:40:45,667
is new to the spiky adventurer.
515
00:40:45,667 --> 00:40:47,827
Immediately he turns his odd behavior
516
00:40:47,827 --> 00:40:49,987
of spitting saliva on his shoulders
517
00:40:49,987 --> 00:40:53,107
and covering himself with mucous.
518
00:40:53,107 --> 00:40:55,448
The quantity and duration
the whole process
519
00:40:55,448 --> 00:40:57,281
differ with each case.
520
00:41:01,816 --> 00:41:03,998
Besides large livestock farming,
521
00:41:03,998 --> 00:41:05,838
traditional farm operations include
522
00:41:05,838 --> 00:41:07,528
keeping a colorful variety of
523
00:41:07,528 --> 00:41:10,187
small domestic animals and poultry.
524
00:41:16,536 --> 00:41:18,136
the production of chicken eggs
525
00:41:18,136 --> 00:41:20,696
is of great importance to
the farmer's own needs,
526
00:41:20,696 --> 00:41:22,816
as well as for the market.
527
00:41:22,816 --> 00:41:24,848
Organic farm eggs are in high demand
528
00:41:24,848 --> 00:41:28,307
in these days of large-scale
livestock farming.
529
00:41:28,307 --> 00:41:30,056
Thus more and more
farmers are returning to
530
00:41:30,056 --> 00:41:33,565
floor and free-range
management of their poultry.
531
00:41:36,236 --> 00:41:37,717
just a few decades ago,
532
00:41:37,717 --> 00:41:41,884
hedgehogs were not very
welcome guests at the farm.
533
00:41:44,477 --> 00:41:46,178
Old wives tales of hedgehogs
534
00:41:46,178 --> 00:41:48,271
making their way into the stables
535
00:41:48,271 --> 00:41:51,197
and robbing the poultry
stubbornly persisted.
536
00:41:51,197 --> 00:41:52,826
But the hedgehog stealing eggs
537
00:41:52,826 --> 00:41:55,909
from the chicken coop is pure legend.
538
00:41:57,669 --> 00:42:00,676
He only pounces on eggs
that are already broken.
539
00:42:00,676 --> 00:42:02,456
He couldn't handle undamaged ones
540
00:42:02,456 --> 00:42:04,873
with his insectivore's teeth.
541
00:42:12,236 --> 00:42:16,389
Meanwhile, a general re-thinking
has long since taken place.
542
00:42:16,389 --> 00:42:18,395
Many people protect the hedgehogs,
543
00:42:18,395 --> 00:42:19,927
and even place food for them
544
00:42:19,927 --> 00:42:22,594
in front of their door at night.
545
00:42:23,898 --> 00:42:26,006
Special mixtures may be purchased,
546
00:42:26,006 --> 00:42:30,173
made of dried insects,
fruits, bran and much more.
547
00:42:38,837 --> 00:42:42,006
Dog and cat food are on
the hedgehogs' menu too.
548
00:42:42,006 --> 00:42:44,189
And even if they are uninvited,
549
00:42:44,189 --> 00:42:47,477
they will help themselves,
not always to the joy of all.
550
00:42:56,715 --> 00:42:58,920
but hedgehogs won't limit themselves
551
00:42:58,920 --> 00:43:00,970
to gobbling up pet food.
552
00:43:00,970 --> 00:43:02,480
Quite frequently they also
553
00:43:02,480 --> 00:43:06,313
take advantage of the
existing infrastructure.
554
00:43:07,229 --> 00:43:11,396
Tortoises are frequently
given a roof over their heads.
555
00:43:15,629 --> 00:43:18,060
Its safe location and the warm straw
556
00:43:18,060 --> 00:43:22,227
inside the tortoise's house
also attract the hedgehogs.
557
00:43:32,479 --> 00:43:34,758
For a female hedgehog, the tortoise house
558
00:43:34,758 --> 00:43:38,925
is a first-class shelter
to deliver her offspring.
559
00:43:42,882 --> 00:43:45,133
Almost every hedgehog living outside
560
00:43:45,133 --> 00:43:47,633
is host to numerous parasites.
561
00:43:52,321 --> 00:43:54,234
A strong and healthy animal copes well
562
00:43:54,234 --> 00:43:56,762
with a moderate number of ticks and fleas,
563
00:43:56,762 --> 00:43:59,143
but sick and weak animals may even
564
00:43:59,143 --> 00:44:02,643
die from the tiny pests' superior numbers.
565
00:44:05,663 --> 00:44:09,423
Fleas can easily be combated
with a suitable spray.
566
00:44:09,423 --> 00:44:11,722
Flea powder should not be used however,
567
00:44:11,722 --> 00:44:14,555
since hedgehogs may breathe it in.
568
00:44:20,933 --> 00:44:23,663
Ticks must be removed individually.
569
00:44:23,663 --> 00:44:25,322
Special tweezers for this purpose
570
00:44:25,322 --> 00:44:28,155
are available in specialty stores.
571
00:44:33,321 --> 00:44:35,703
Relieved from his tiresome parasites,
572
00:44:35,703 --> 00:44:37,970
the hedgehog can be freed again.
573
00:44:37,970 --> 00:44:39,282
And thus the odd couple
574
00:44:39,282 --> 00:44:42,365
shares a home for the next few weeks.
575
00:44:51,704 --> 00:44:54,013
Summer gradually comes to an end,
576
00:44:54,013 --> 00:44:57,263
and nature shifts back into lower gear.
577
00:45:00,664 --> 00:45:02,602
The days grow shorter again,
578
00:45:02,602 --> 00:45:05,435
and the air cools down noticeably.
579
00:45:11,213 --> 00:45:15,380
In the orchards, the tall
trees are laden with fruit.
580
00:45:20,082 --> 00:45:22,469
The diversity is incredible.
581
00:45:22,469 --> 00:45:25,631
More than 400 apple and
nearly 100 pear types
582
00:45:25,631 --> 00:45:27,881
are known in Austria alone.
583
00:45:35,449 --> 00:45:38,951
the windfall's prominent
aroma attracts the hedgehogs.
584
00:45:38,951 --> 00:45:40,527
Sweet juices and fruits are
585
00:45:40,527 --> 00:45:43,444
a welcome enrichment of their menu.
586
00:45:50,031 --> 00:45:51,770
In old stories, the hedgehog
587
00:45:51,770 --> 00:45:54,551
is depicted as a fruit collector.
588
00:45:54,551 --> 00:45:56,439
Legend has it that in autumn,
589
00:45:56,439 --> 00:45:59,649
he spears pears and
apples with his thorns,
590
00:45:59,649 --> 00:46:02,982
and carries them to his winter quarters.
591
00:46:08,135 --> 00:46:10,470
And really, many a hedgehog is at risk
592
00:46:10,470 --> 00:46:12,930
of suddenly discovering fruit in his toe.
593
00:46:12,930 --> 00:46:16,071
Falling fruits may not uncommonly hit him
594
00:46:16,071 --> 00:46:18,738
and get stuck in his spiky coat.
595
00:46:26,610 --> 00:46:30,777
The sweet smell also
attracts innumerable insects.
596
00:46:36,799 --> 00:46:39,439
Wasps are feeding on the fermenting fruit,
597
00:46:39,439 --> 00:46:41,772
as is the peacock butterfly.
598
00:46:49,828 --> 00:46:51,679
In orchards and fruit meadows,
599
00:46:51,679 --> 00:46:55,919
up to 5,000 different animal
species have been identified.
600
00:46:55,919 --> 00:47:00,086
An incredibly important habitat
formed by the human hand.
601
00:47:03,540 --> 00:47:06,130
This enormous animal variety is due to
602
00:47:06,130 --> 00:47:08,559
extensive grassland management
603
00:47:08,559 --> 00:47:11,976
that largely spurns the use of chemicals.
604
00:47:18,780 --> 00:47:21,519
And though the hedgehog
is really an insectivore,
605
00:47:21,519 --> 00:47:25,686
he may quite safely enjoy the
sweet fruits of autumn here.
606
00:47:32,638 --> 00:47:36,805
After the first fog, the
leaves will be falling soon.
607
00:47:38,679 --> 00:47:42,846
The year of the hedgehog
comes to its close again.
608
00:47:46,330 --> 00:47:49,428
The plummeting temperatures
leave no doubt about it.
609
00:47:49,428 --> 00:47:52,300
It is high time to look
for a safe place to stay
610
00:47:52,300 --> 00:47:54,800
during the cold winter months.
611
00:48:12,708 --> 00:48:15,460
Sooner or later the year
completes its course
612
00:48:15,460 --> 00:48:18,210
with the cold and snow of winter.
613
00:48:23,428 --> 00:48:25,940
And although one might
think that all of life
614
00:48:25,940 --> 00:48:30,107
is dying in the cold, nature
always finds a way to survive.
615
00:48:32,680 --> 00:48:35,997
The hedgehog, just has he
has for time immemorial,
616
00:48:35,997 --> 00:48:38,679
will hibernate long and deep,
617
00:48:38,679 --> 00:48:41,999
until, months later, the warmth of spring
618
00:48:41,999 --> 00:48:44,166
will call him to new life.
46441
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get subtitles in any language from opensubtitles.com, and translate them here.