African Hedeghog African Hedgehog
African Hedgehog

Scientific Classification

Common Name
African hedgehog, four-toed hedgehog
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Insectivora
Family
Erinaceidae
Genus Species
Atelerix albiventris (white belly)

Fast Facts

Description
A small mammal with white hair on its stomach and hair modified into spines on its back
Size
Adult size is 17 to 23 cm (6 to 9 in.) long
Weight
Newborns weigh about 10 g (0.3 oz.) and adults weigh 270 to 700 g (10 to 25 oz.)
Diet
Insects, crustaceans, small vertebrates, eggs, carrion, and occasional plant matter
Incubation
34 to 37 days
Sexual Maturity
1 to 2 years
Life Span
Approximately 10 years
Range
Throughout Central Africa
Habitat
Open country with low growing vegetation
Population
Global: Unknown
Status 
IUCN: Not listed
CITES: Not listed
USFWS: Not listed

Fun Facts

  1. There are 11 species of hedgehog native to Africa, Asia, and Europe, and they have been introduced to New Zealand.
  2. Hedgehog quills are not barbed or poisonous. However, hedgehogs will apply a foamy saliva to their quills. This may serve many purposes: an irritant to predators, a natural insect repellent since they are unable to clean their skin well, or an attractant to potential mates.
  3. A hedgehog has a large muscle running along its stomach which pulls its body into a tight, spiky little ball for defense.
  4. Large owls and raptors with well-protected feet and sharp claws are some of the only natural enemies of hedgehogs.
  5. Hedgehogs give birth to one to seven babies which are born with the spines just below the skin. Spines start to appear within 24 hours.

Ecology and Conservation

Hedgehogs help to control insect and vermin populations. They show a high tolerance to toxins, both natural and human-made. They have been known to consume many animals whose toxins could be fatal to humans including certain beetles, wasps, bees, and venomous snakes. Hedgehogs are also a food source for some larger animals.


Bibliography

Macdonald, D., ed. Encyclopedia of Mammals, Vol. 2. London: George Allen and Unwin, 1985.

Parker, S., ed. Grzimek's Encyclopedia of Mammals, Vol. 1.London: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1990.

Smith, A. "Husbandry and Medicine of African Hedgehogs". Journal of Small Exotic Animal Medicine, 2(1). Gray Pub, pp. 21-28, 1992.

Stocker, L. The Complete Hedgehog. London: Chatto and Windeos, 1987.