April can be an especially colorful time in the desert, as many of our native cacti unfurl their short-lived but spectacular flowers during these few weeks. Among the very showiest are the hedgehog ...
There are 17 species of hedgehog in five genera found throughout parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and in New Zealand by introduction. There are no hedgehogs native to Australia and no living species native to the Americas. However, the extinct genus Amphechinus was once present in North America.
Hedgehogs are small, stout mammals characterized by sharp, keratinized spines or quills on their bodies. They are named so because they creep through hedges, grunting like pigs in search of insects, worms, beetles, termites, and other potential prey.
There are 17 species of hedgehog and they are found in Europe, Africa and Asia. In the UK they can live in a variety of habitats including woodland, farmland, parks and gardens. Hedgehogs are also well established in our urban habitat and can, somewhat surprisingly, survive very well in our cities.
Hedgehogs have prickly spines everywhere except on their face, legs, and bellies. By curling into a tight ball and tucking in their heads, tail, and legs, they protect the parts of their bodies...
Hedgehog, (subfamily Erinaceinae), any of 15 Old World species of insectivores possessing several thousand short, smooth spines. Most species weigh under 700 grams (1.5 pounds), but the common western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) can grow to 1,100 grams.
Hedgehogs fall under the Erinaceidae family within the broader Eulipotyphla order, shared with shrews and moles. Within Erinaceidae are five distinct genera that diversely classify these creatures based on features and geography. The Erinaceus genus includes larger, long-spined 'Old World' hedgehogs found across Europe, Asia, and Africa.