Hedgehog: Hedgehogs are one of the most beloved creatures in the animal kingdom, known for their fascinating spines and unique behavior. Native to the UK mainland and widespread across northern and western Europe, these small mammals are also found in parts of North Africa, the Middle East, and central Asia. While there are no native hedgehogs in Australia or North America, an introduced population thrives in New Zealand. Globally, there are 16 species of hedgehog distributed across five genera.
Hedgehog Interesting Facts and Essential Conservation Tips
Hedgehog Characteristics and Physical Traits
Hedgehogs are instantly recognizable by their spines, which are tough hollow hairs made from keratin. Unlike porcupines, hedgehog spines are not barbed or poisonous. These spines are replaced through a process called “quilling,” where baby spines fall off and adult spines grow.
Hedgehogs can lose spines due to extreme stress or disease, but their thick fur-covered lower hindquarters provide additional protection. An average hedgehog is around 23 centimetres in length, with a 4 centimetre tail and can weigh up to 2 kilograms.
Their powerful front legs and claws are perfect for digging, while their five front paws and four long hind paws are suited for burrowing. Surprisingly agile, hedgehogs can climb, swim and even run at speeds of up to 6 miles per hour.
Habitat and nesting preferences
Hedgehogs thrive in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, hedgerows, parks, gardens and fields. They prefer areas with abundant vegetation to build nests from moss and leaves. Suburban gardens, especially those with hedgehog-friendly spaces, are ideal habitats.
To support hedgehogs, you can create simple houses by covering an overturned crate with stones, soil or wood. Alternatively, specially designed wooden hedgehog boxes are a sturdy option. Place these houses in quiet areas of the garden, ideally against walls or fences and facing north away from strong winds. Avoid disturbing busy boxes, as this can cause stress to nesting mothers.
Hedgehog diet: nature’s pest controllers
Hedgehogs are omnivores, with a diet consisting of insects, snails, worms, frogs, toads, beetles, caterpillars and bird eggs. They also eat mushrooms, berries and even melons. A single hedgehog can eat up to 40 slugs or 200g of worms in one night, making them excellent natural pest controllers for gardens.
To attract hedgehogs, keep damp, grassy areas in your garden where bait is easily accessible. Avoid using slug pellets or harmful chemicals, as these can poison hedgehogs.
Behaviour and hibernation patterns
Hedgehogs have adapted to a nocturnal lifestyle over millions of years. Male hedgehogs, called “boars”, are slightly larger than female hedgehogs, called “pigs”. Hedgehogs hibernate alone from November to April, building nests under sheds, woodpiles or compost heaps. During hibernation, their heart rate drops dramatically from 190 to around 20 beats per minute.
By autumn, hedgehogs prepare for winter by significantly increasing their body weight. However, the success of hibernation varies according to the species, temperature and food availability. Many hedgehogs die during this period due to insufficient reserves or environmental hazards.
Unique behavior of hedgehogs
When hedgehogs encounter new smells, they perform a peculiar ritual called “anointing”. They lick and bite the source, creating a scented foam that they apply to their spines. Its purpose is uncertain, but it may serve as camouflage or a defensive strategy against predators.
When feeling threatened, hedgehogs roll into a tight ball, with their spines facing outwards. This defence is most effective against predators such as foxes, wolves and weasels. However, some desert species with fewer spines may resort to fleeing or attacking predators.
Reproduction and Lifespan
Hedgehogs have a unique mating process that prevents injuries to their spines. The gestation period ranges from 35 to 58 days depending on the species. A litter typically consists of 4-7 babies, who are born blind and have soft, lightweight spines that harden in a few weeks. Juvenile hedgehogs become independent at 4-6 weeks.
In the wild, larger hedgehog species live 4-7 years, while smaller species live 2-4 years. In captivity, with fewer predators and a controlled diet, lifespan can increase significantly.
Conservation and protection efforts
Hedgehogs are protected under the UK Wildlife and Countryside Act and cannot be captured without a licence. Despite this, their numbers are declining due to habitat loss, road accidents and garden hazards such as strimmers and pesticides. To help hedgehogs, keep your garden safe by checking compost heaps, avoiding lawn chemicals, and creating accessible foraging areas.
Embrace hedgehog conservation
By providing hedgehog-friendly spaces and avoiding harmful practices, you can help these incredible creatures thrive. Simple actions such as building hedgehog houses, reducing garden hazards and maintaining natural foraging areas can make a significant difference. Hedgehogs are not only fascinating animals, but also important allies in pest control and biodiversity.
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