Hedgehog
Erinaceus europaeus
Hedgehog is a spiny mammal living in African forests, gardens, and grasslands.
| Scientific name | Erinaceus europaeus |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Kifaru mdogo |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Erinaceomorpha |
| Family | Erinaceidae |
| Size | Male: 0.6-1.2 kg; Female: 0.5-1.1 kg |
How to identify
Back covered with stiff spines; small body with pointed head; nocturnal; curls into a ball when threatened; distinct nose and small eyes
Habitat
Forest edges, grasslands, shrubs, gardens, and farmland
Diet
Omnivorous, primarily feeding on insects, snails, slugs, and small invertebrates; also consumes fruits and plants
When it is active
Nocturnal, most active at dusk and during the night
Where it lives
Widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, including grasslands, shrublands, and gardens in East and South Africa; common African species are the Four-toed Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and the Southern African Hedgehog (Atelerix frontalis).
How to spot it
Use red light flashlight at night to observe without disturbance; watch for hedgehogs active in shrubs and grass
Photography tips
Use infrared photography equipment in low light to capture nocturnal activity; close-up shots of defensive curled ball posture
Threats
Habitat destruction, road traffic accidents, food reduction due to pesticide use
Similar species
Distinguished from porcupines by having shorter, denser spines; porcupines have longer, sparser quills; clearly different from moles, which lack spines
