Kingdom : Animalia Class : Mammalia Family : Erinaceidae Scientific Name : Atelerix Albiventris Size : 16 - 35cm (6 - 14in) Weight : 1 - 2kg (2.2 - 4.4lbs) Top Speed : 19km/h (12mph) Life Span : 3 - 6 years Colour : Tan, Brown, Grey Skin Type : Spikes Special Features : Long snout and can roll into a spiky ball
- Hedgehogs are small mammals, native to Asia, Africa and Europe.
- They are one of the oldest mammals on earth thought to exist since 15 million years.
- They have been artificially introduced to other countries and are now found throughout the world.
- There are around 16 species of hedgehog in the world.
- Depending on the species they vary in size from 16cm to 35cm.
- Distinctively, their backs are covered in spikes.
- They differ from porcupines in their spikes not being detachable and poisonous.
- Their spikes are made of keratin and are actually just hollow hair.
- Some species of hedgehog just curl into a spiky ball for self-defense whereas other species try to run away from predators.
- They are quite vocal and communicate between themselves through grunts, snuffles and squeals.
- The female hedgehog gives birth to a litter of babies of around 3-7, the numbers vary with species.
- The young are born blind, without their spikes and grow their spikes in a few days after being cleaned by their mother.
- Once they get to a certain age, the baby hedgehog sheds its spikes and grows adult spikes.
- Interestingly, hedgehogs are known to shed their spikes under extreme stress.
- They are omnivorous nocturnal mammals feeding on mainly bugs and insects.
- Their natural predators are owls, birds, ferrets, foxes, wolves and weasels.
- Depending on the species, climate and availability of food, some hedgehogs hibernate during the winters.
- Their average lifespan is between 3-6 years, with the larger species living a little longer than the smaller species.