Are you passionate about hedgehogs? On our site we are great lovers of this small mammal with short spikes and a snub nose. It is an independent and beautiful animal that certainly has a unique and attractive appearance.
Next we will show you the different types of hedgehogs so you can learn about their physical appearance, where they are found and some related curiosities with the hedgehogs. Keep reading this article about the types of hedgehogs and let yourself be surprised by the erinaceus and everything related to these small mammals.
European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
The European hedgehog or Erinaceus europaeus lives in various European countries such as Italy, Spain, France or the United Kingdom, among others. Also it is known as the common hedgehog It usually measures between 20 and 30 centimeters and all of it has a characteristic blackish-brown appearance. It lives in wooded areas and can live up to 10 years.
Oriental dark hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor)
The dark oriental hedgehog or Erinaceus concolor looks very similar to the European hedgehog, although it differs by a white spot on its chestWe can find it in the passage between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Unlike the European hedgehog, the dark eastern hedgehog does not dig, prefers to nest in grass
Balkan hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus)
We find the Balkan hedgehog or Erinaceus roumanicus throughout Eastern Europe, although its presence has spread to Russia, the Ukraine and the Caucasus. It differs from the two previous species due to its somewhat different jaw, although externally it reminds us of the common European hedgehog, this type of hedgehog has a white chest
Manchurian hedgehog or Amur hedgehog (Erinaceus amurensis)
The next of the types of hedgehogs that exist is the Manchurian hedgehog, Amur hedgehog or Erinaceus amurensis, which lives in Russia, Korea and China, among others. This species of hedgehog measures approximately 30 centimeters and its physical appearance is light colors although somewhat brownish
White-bellied hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)
The white-bellied hedgehog or Atelerix albiventris comes from sub-Saharan Africa and inhabits areas of the savannah and crop fields of the populations. We can see a totally white body that highlights its dark head. This species of hedgehog has very short legs and it is surprising that it only has four toes on its hind legs
Moorish hedgehog (Atelerix algirus)
The next species of hedgehog on our list is the Moorish hedgehog or Atelerix algirus. It is smaller than the previous ones, reaching about 20 centimeters in length. It lives throughout North Africa, including Morocco and Algeria, although it currently remains in the wild along the Mediterranean coast, which includes certain cities in Spain, such as Valencia or Catalonia. It is light in color and shows a bifurcation in the spikes of the crest
Somali hedgehog (Atelerix sclateri)
The Somali hedgehog or Atelerix sclateri is indeed endemic to Somalia. What stands out about this species of hedgehog is that they have a white belly while their legs are usually brown or black.
South African hedgehog (Atelerix frontalis)
The South African hedgehog or Atelerix frontalis is a type of brownish hedgehog that lives in countries such as Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe among others. Although we highlight its black legs and its general brown tone, the South African hedgehog has a very distinctive white stripe on its forehead
Egyptian hedgehog or long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus)
Next on the list is the Egyptian hedgehog or long-eared hedgehog, also known as Hemiechinus auritus. Although it actually lives in Egypt we can find it in many areas of Asia where it has spread enormously.
It stands out for its long ears and short quills, a fact that makes it prefer to run away rather than curl up as a defense method. It's really fast.
Indian long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus collaris)
Although its name is very similar to the previous hedgehog, we can point out that the Indian long-eared hedgehog or Hemiechinus collaris has a very different appearance. It is relatively small and shows dark colors. As a curiosity, we highlight that this hedgehog performs an incredible dance ritual to conquer the female for days.
Gobi Hedgehog (Mesechinus dauuricus)
The Gobi hedgehog or Mesechinus dauuricus is a type of small, solitary hedgehog that inhabits Russia and northern Mongolia. It measures between 15 and 20 centimeters and is under the category of "Endangered Species" in both Russia and Mongolia, although the IUCN lists it as "Minimum Risk".
These species of hedgehogs usually inhabit wooded areas and steppes, where they can live in burrows. During the winter they hibernate and the life expectancy of this type of hedgehog is a maximum of 6 years.
We tell you about other Animals that live in caves and burrows, here.
Hug's Hedgehog (Mesechinus hughi)
Next in parade is the Hug's hedgehog or Mesechinus hughi, a type of hedgehog endemic to China. Although it is a hedgehog that prefers open areas to live, it is true that we can find it among trees and bushes. In addition, it lives in dry and semi-arid places.
Desert hedgehog or Ethiopian hedgehog (Paraechinus micropus)
The desert hedgehog, Ethiopian hedgehog or Paraechinus aethiopicus is one of the types of hedgehogs that is difficult to catch, because when they roll up into a ball they expel their quills in all directionsPlease note that colors may vary from a few shades darker to lighter.
Indian hedgehog (Paraechinus micropus)
The Indian hedgehog or Paraechinus micropus is native to India and Pakistan and shows a mask-like spot and very similar to that of the boreal raccoon. It lives in high mountain areas where there is plenty of water.
Measures about 15 centimeters and is quite fast, although not as fast as the long-eared hedgehog. We also noted that this hedgehog has a very varied diet including toads and frogs.
Brandt's hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas)
Brandt's hedgehog or Paraechinus hypomelas is about 25 centimeters long and has large ears and a dark body. We can find him in Pakistan, Afghanistan or Yemen. In the event of a threat, it tends to curl up in a ball, although it also uses a "jumping" attack to surprise and ward off its predators.
Bare-bellied hedgehog (Paraechinus nudiventris)
The last hedgehog on the list is the bare-bellied hedgehog or Paraechinus nudiventris, a species thought to be extinct for many years, until some specimens were recently found in India. There are very few images and information about this species of hedgehog.
Discover more about hedgehogs in these articles on our site that we recommend about The hedgehog as a pet or in Feeding the African hedgehog.
