Trending

What is the classification of a hedgehog?

What is the classification of a hedgehog?

Mammal
Hedgehog/Class

Are African pygmy hedgehogs mammals?

A hedgehog is a spiny mammal of the subfamily Erinaceinae, in the eulipotyphlan family Erinaceidae.

Are African pygmy hedgehogs insectivores?

They are nocturnal to avoid larger predators and to forage for food—hedgehogs are primarily insectivores and will eat grubs, worms, and beetles. However, hedgehogs have been known to eat small vertebrates, spiders, and even scorpions.

What is the scientific name for an African pygmy hedgehog?

Atelerix albiventris
Four-toed hedgehog/Scientific names

Atelerix albiventris They inhabit a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, bush, thickets, and plains. African pygmy hedgehogs are sometimes referred to as the four-toed, white-bellied, or domesticated hedgehog.

What is a female hedgehog called?

sows
Hedgehogs are solitary animals and are not social. The male hedgehog is called a boar and they are not involved with rearing their offspring. Female hedgehogs are known as sows and they will give birth to a litter of 3-4 or 5-6 newborn depending on the species of hedgehog.

What is toxic to hedgehogs?

Grapes and avocados are toxic to hedgehogs. While some people give crushed peanuts to their hedgies, nuts and raisins are generally considered a choking hazard as they get stuck on the roof of their mouth. Avoid giving your pet hedgehog insects you’ve caught yourself as they might have digested toxins.

How big does a African pygmy hedgehog get?

seven to nine inches long
The African pygmy hedgehog, or four-toed hedgehog, can be found across much of Eastern, Western, and Central Africa. They weigh in between one and two lbs. and are seven to nine inches long.

What is the smallest breed of hedgehog?

African Pygmy Hedgehogs
African Pygmy Hedgehogs are the smallest hedgehog species in the world. They average between 7-9 inches long, and when curled up are about the size of a grapefruit. Hedgehogs are primarily insectivores, feeding on insects like termites and beetles, but will also eat different small vertebrates and plant material.

What is a bunch of hedgehogs called?

A group of hedgehogs is called an ‘array’. 10. Hedgehogs haven’t always been called hedgehogs, a long time ago they were called ‘urchins’. 11. They have between 5000-7000 spines on their back which raise and lower if they feel threatened.

What smells do hedgehogs hate?

Do try some mint. Rats apparently hate the smell of mint, whilst hedgehogs seem to quite like it. Peppermint essential oil sprinkled by their bolt holes, or plenty of mint planted in your garden, could work as a deterrent.

What scents are bad for hedgehogs?

Oils that are considered hot: Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Hyssop, Lemongrass, Ocotea, Oregano, Peppermint, Thieves, and Thyme. These are often contained in blends. Anything you put in the air your hedgehog will breathe and can be harmful!

Where does the African pygmy hedgehog come from?

The African pygmy hedgehog is a native of West and Central Africa. The African pygmy hedgehog ( Atelerix albiventris ), also known as the central African, white-bellied, or four-toed hedgehog 1, is native to the savannah and steppe regions of Central Africa, extending from Somalia in the East and Senegal in the West 1,4,20.

Which is the smallest hedgehog in the world?

The African pygmy hedgehog is one of 23 extant (currently living) hedgehogs in the world. Sometimes called the four-toed hedgehog, it is the smallest member of the hedgehog family. The African pygmy hedgehog is covered in tiny, non-barbed spines.

What is the physical description of a pygmy hedgehog?

Physical Description. A relaxed Atelerix albiventris>>has a generally oval shape. The limbs are short and the animal’s round body is low to the ground. The African Pygmy Hedgehog has a very short tail.

What kind of animal is an African hedgehog?

Taxonomy and Natural History. Hedgehogs (Fig. 30-1) are members of the family Erinaceidae within the order Insectivora. The two most familiar hedgehog species are the central African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus).