African Pygmy Hedgehog
( four-toed hedgehog )
- Atelerix albiventris
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- Trend: decreasing
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Eulipotyphla
- Family: Erinaceidae
- Genus: Atelerix
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General Information
The African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is a small mammal native to Africa. It is the smallest of the five species of hedgehog, and it is also the most common. The species common name is derived from the number of toes found on its hind feet.
Fun Facts
The African pygmy hedgehog are the smallest hedgehog species in the world. African pygmy hedgehogs are excellent climbers and can climb trees and rocks with ease. They use their spines to help them grip onto surfaces.
They are very good swimmers. They can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes underwater.
Description
The African pygmy hedgehog is a small oval bodied mammal that has a distinctive brown or gray fur with white undersides. Their fur is covered in about 6,000 spines, which they use to protect themselves from predators. emales are typically larger than males. It has short legs, short tail typically around 2.5 cm in length, a long nose, and small beady eyes. The ears and whiskers are both relatively large, implying that the animal has good senses.- Length: approx 21cm
- Weight: 250g to 600g
Ecology & Behaviour
The African pygmy hedgehog are an important part of the Zambian ecosystem. The four-toed hedgehog is a solitary, nocturnal animal. They help to control populations of insects, which can be harmful to crops.
They are solitary animals for most of the year. They only come together to mate, and they do not form long-lasting pairs.
They are insectivores, which means they eat insects. Their diet also includes snails, slugs, worms, and small fruits.
The most common sounds made by four-toed hedgehogs are snorts, hisses, and a quiet twittering sound. When attacked, the animal can scream loudly, and males also produce a birdlike call during courtship.
Conservation
The African pygmy hedgehog are listed as, “Least Concern” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Distribution & Habitat
African pygmy hedgehogs are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and grasslands. They are nocturnal animals, and they sleep during the day and are active at night.
This species tends to prefer temperatures between 24 and 30 °C. When it is hotter than that, it tends to find shelter in a burrow and go into a state of estivation(a type of dormancy similar to hibernation), or when it is colder it goes into a state of hibernation in order to conserve energy.
Interaction with Humans
African pygmy hedgehogs are also popular pets, and they are known for their friendly and curious personalities.
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