Long-eared Hedgehog

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Long-eared hedgehog
Long-eared hedgehog in captivity in Leningrad Zoo. Photo by I.V.Korneev
Conservation status
Least concern (LR/lc)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Insectivora Family: Erinaceidae Genus: Hemiechinus Species: H. auritus
Binomial name
Hemiechinus auritus (Gmelin,SG, 1770)

The Long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) is a species of hedgehog native to Central Asian countries and the Caucasus mountains. It is smaller than the Western European hedgehog; it weighs at most 500 grams (around 200 on average), and is much faster. It is less likely to cuddle when approached by predators and will most likely try and outrun or leap at predators with thier relatively short needles. Due to its lifestyle, it has less needle protection and shorter needles.

The long-eared hedgehog uses grass nests as shelter, and has numerous enemies. It hibernates from late October to March.

Since long-eared hedgehogs are naturally parasite prone and can carry diseases as bad as plague, it is highly recommended that, if kept as pet, they should be purchased from a respected dealer.

[edit] References

• Insectivore Specialist Group (1996). Hemiechinus auritus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 06 May 2006. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of least concern