Brandt's Hedgehog

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Brandt's Hedgehog
Photo by Smithsonian Institution, 1993
Conservation status
Least concern (LR/lc)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Insectivora Family: Erinaceidae Genus: Hemiechinus Species: H. hypomelas
Binomial name
Hemiechinus hypomelas (Brandt, 1836)

Brandt's hedgehog, Hemiechinus hypomelas, is a species of desert hedgehog native to the Middle East and Middle Asia. Brandt's hedgehog is approximately the size of the Western European Hedgehog (about 500–1,000 g in weight and 25 cm in length), but has distinctive big ears similar to the Long-eared Hedgehog and is a much faster runner due to lighter (but still superior to the Long-eared Hedgehog) needle protection. It is a fast runner, but, unlike the Long-eared Hedgehog, predominantely nocturnal and uses cuddling tactic more often, although still employing "jumping" attack.

Brandt's hedgehog prefers arid desert areas and mountains. It uses natural shelter a lot, although it is still capable of digging dens when absolutely needed. Hibernates.

Brandt's hedgehog is an endangered species at least in some of its area.

It is named after (and by) Johann Friedrich von Brandt, a director of the Zoological Department at the St Petersburg Academy of Sciences.

A Brandt's hedgehog from Rajasthan, India

With paws exposed

Showing his face

[edit] References

• Insectivore Specialist Group (1996). Hemiechinus hypomelas. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of least concern