Kinds of Hedgehogs

The hedgehog is a small mammal with pointed quills covering its back. It is neither a rodent nor a porcupine; it belongs to the family of insectivores together with shrews, voles and moles. Other characteristics include a pointed nose, stiff coat, bulging eyes set on the sides of the face, rounded ears (some species have elongated ears) and small, stubby tails. When threatened, the hedgehog rolls itself into a ball. Several types of hedgehogs are found in Europe, Asia and Africa. Though they are not native to North America, most species are kept as pets or in zoos.

  1. Desert Hedgehog

    • The desert hedgehog is one of the smallest of all types. This hedgehog ranges from 5.5 inches to about 11 inches long, and it weighs a maximum of 18 ounces. These hedgehogs are found in the Sahara desert, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Eritrea, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Morocco, Kuwait, Libya, Jordan and other areas. When threatened, the hedgehog tightens its muscles, rolls into a ball, sticks out its spines and freezes. It feeds on insects, snakes and scorpions.

    Long-Eared Hedgehog

    • The long-eared hedgehog is faster than its longer-spined West European cousins. Its ears give this hedgehog a highly acute sense of hearing that makes it easy to detect prey and enemies. This species of hedgehog is native to the Caucasus Mountains and Central Asia. It shelters in grass nests to avoid its many enemies. It is hunted primarily by the Eurasian eagle owl and makes up a large part of the owl̵7;s diet. The hedgehog hibernates from October to March, and the average lifespan is approximately six years.

    African White-Bellied Hedgehog

    • The African white-bellied hedgehog has a tiny tail resembling a little stub. It weighs 18 to 25 ounces and is 6 to almost 12 inches long. This hedgehog has unusual feet, with five toes on the back legs and only four on the front legs. It has salt-and-pepper patterned spines, tan snouts, furry cheeks and white legs and belly. It is found in the grasslands, savannahs, agricultural areas, bushlands and gardens of Central Africa. With roughly 5,000 sharp spines, it rolls up into a ball and defends itself against predators. This hedgehog̵7;s diet consists of plants, earthworms, lizards, seeds, fruit, frogs and mice.

    European Hedgehog

    • European hedgehogs are probably the only spiny mammal in Great Britain. They are found all over Europe in woodlands, suburban areas and farmlands. These solitary creatures common in gardens as well. They are nocturnal by nature. They live in nests made of leaves and moss, and they hibernate through the winter until March or April. They have poor eyesight, but very good hearing and smell. They are quite versatile and can swim and climb agilely. The European hedgehog feeds off spiders, slugs, insects, rodents, frogs and even young birds.