Animal ID card |
|
|---|---|
Scientific name |
Erinaceus europaeus. |
Common name |
Common hedgehog, European hedgehog. |
Origin |
Western Europe. |
Class |
Mammals. |
Order |
Insectivores. |
Family |
Erinaceae. |
Size weight |
The hedgehog's body measures 20 to 30 cm long and 12 to 15 cm high. Its weight varies depending on the season and availability of food. An adult can weigh from 400 g to 1200 g. |
Special features |
As an adult, the hedgehog has 5,000 to 7,500 quills, thick and rigid hairs 2 to 3 cm long. Installed in groups of 3, they face different directions in order to protect each angle of the animal's body. A quill has a maximum lifespan of 18 months and then is replaced by a new one. |
Life expectancy |
If, in theory, the hedgehog can live more than 10 years, its life expectancy is only 3 to 5 years due in particular to road traffic. |
The Erinaceidae family is broken down into two groups: the Erinaceae, hedgehogs with quills, of which the common hedgehog is a member, and the Galericines (or gymnures), hedgehogs without quills.
What are the characteristics of the hedgehog?
Equipped with a spectacular sense of smell and hearing, the hedgehog is capable of detecting prey up to 3 cm in the ground.
Very active, it can cover
distances of 5 to 8 km
and its territory is approximately 50 hectares (10 for the female).
When it feels in danger, the hedgehog rolls up into a ball, raising its quills.
If it is not fast enough, it may fall victim to predators (badgers and eagle owls are the only ones that can outwit its quills).
The European hedgehog is
a protected species,
like the African hedgehog, by the decree of April 23, 2007.
Where does the hedgehog live?
It appreciates forest edges, hedges, deciduous woods but also our gardens.
Its refuge consists of dead leaves and dried grass.
It is installed under branches, brambles, logs.
There are
three types of nest
:
The day nest where the hedgehog sleeps 18 hours a day, during the active season.
Generally, he does not go out in broad daylight;
The breeding nest where the female settles with her young;
The winter nest where the hedgehog hibernates.
It is stronger and more robust to resist the cold and bad weather.
What does the hedgehog eat?
A semi-nocturnal animal, the hedgehog eats and hunts at night at a speed of 3 meters per minute.
It loves snails, slugs, worms and insects and is therefore a
perfect garden helper
.
It also appreciates berries, fruits and small animals (birds, amphibians, rodents, etc.).
Do hedgehogs hibernate?
The hedgehog hibernates from October-November to March-April.
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No use without permission.
Yes !
The hedgehog hibernates
from October-November to March-April
.
Curled into a ball, his body temperature drops from 35°C to 5°C.
It survives thanks to the fat reserves built up during its activity and loses 30% of its weight during hibernation.
Also readWinter or hibernate?
Don't make the mistake again!
What is the life cycle of the hedgehog?
Solitary, the hedgehog approaches females only for reproduction, from April to September.
These do not have more than
2 litters per year
.
After four weeks of gestation, 2 to 7 young are born, blind and lacking spines.
They only appear from the 36th hour of life.
The young are weaned at 4 weeks: several die because the female can only breastfeed for 5. They become independent around the age of 40 days.
What are hedgehog diseases?
The hedgehog is covered in parasites that can affect its general condition.
Ticks can cause anemia and mites can cause scabies.
He can also suffer from ringworm (fungus), bacterial infections (respiratory and digestive) and is susceptible to the foot-and-mouth disease virus.
How to keep a hedgehog in your garden?
You can provide the hedgehogs with water and grain-free cat food or mealworms.
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No use without permission.
Have you noticed the presence of a hedgehog in your garden?
Well done !
This is already a sign that your exterior is welcoming for this small nocturnal mammal.
Now it's a matter of keeping it in your garden with these tips:
Leave wild corners
: the hedgehog likes natural gardens with tall grass, dead leaves and branches, which serve as a hiding place and nesting place;
Install a hedgehog shelter
: you can build or buy a hedgehog shelter house.
Place it in a quiet place and protected from bad weather;
Provide food and water:
although hedgehogs are capable of fending for themselves, you can help them in critical periods for them (fall and coming out of hibernation in spring) by providing them with water and grain-free cat food or mealworms;
Secure your garden
: make sure there are no dangerous traps for them such as loose garden nets, deep holes or a swimming pool left open from which they cannot escape;
Be careful of tall grass:
Before mowing or mowing tall grass, keep in mind that hedgehogs can hide in these spaces.