Similar appearance:
* Echidnas: Native to Australia and New Guinea, echidnas are also covered in spines but are much larger than hedgehogs. They have long, sticky tongues and lay eggs.
* Porcupines: These rodents are much larger than hedgehogs and have much thicker, sharper spines. They are found in various parts of the world, from North America to Africa.
* Spiny mice: These small rodents have spines, but they are much shorter and less prominent than those of hedgehogs.
* Tenrecs: This diverse group of mammals from Madagascar has various species, some of which are covered in spines. They are more closely related to shrews than hedgehogs.
Similar behavior:
* Spiny mice: Like hedgehogs, these small rodents curl into a ball for protection.
* Tenrecs: Some species of tenrecs also curl into a ball for defense.
Other interesting similarities:
* Armadillos: Though not covered in spines, armadillos have a bony shell that offers similar protection.
* Pangolins: These mammals from Africa and Asia are covered in scales, giving them a similar appearance to hedgehogs from afar. However, their scales are made of keratin, not spines.
It's important to remember that although these animals share some superficial similarities with hedgehogs, they are distinct species with unique characteristics and adaptations.