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Hedgehog

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Erinaceus europaeus
Hedgehog

Range

They were introduced to New Zealand in the late 1800’s. They are also found in the temperate parts (not too hot) of Asia north of the Himalayas, North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, Europe and the islands off the coast of the UK.

Habitat

They live in open woodlands, scrubby areas, farms and parks.

Body Traits

They are small, rounded mammals that only weigh about 2 pounds. They have a pointed face and small eyes. They are covered with short spines. They roll up with spines pointed out if they feel threatened.

Habits

They mostly live alone except to breed. They are good climbers and swimmers.

Diet

They will eat worms, slugs, snails, insects, frogs, lizards and even mice and small birds.

Predators

They are killed by dogs, polecats, badgers, owls and man.

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School subscriptions can access more than 175 downloadable unit bundles in our store for free (a value of $1,500).

District subscriptions provide huge group discounts for their schools. Email for a quote: sheri@exploringnature.org.

Reproduction

Females are pregnant (gestation) for up to 6 weeks and have 1- 9 tiny, undeveloped babies. They are born with spines under their wet skin. As their skin dries after birth, their spines pop out.

Lifespan and/or Conservation Status

They live about 6 years in the wild. They are listed as Lower Risk - least concern.

Hedgehog

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Erinaceomorpha
Family: Erinaceidae
Subfamily: Erinaceinae
Genus: Erinaceus
Species: Erinaceus europaeus

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