There are 17 species of hedgehog in five genera found throughout parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and in New Zealand by introduction. There are no hedgehogs native to Australia and no living species native to the Americas. However, the extinct genus Amphechinus was once present in North America.
By curling into a tight ball and tucking in their heads, tail, and legs, they protect the parts of their bodies that do not have stiff, sharp spines. Often compared to pincushions, hedgehogs...
There are 17 species of hedgehog and they are found in Europe, Africa and Asia. In the UK they can live in a variety of habitats including woodland, farmland, parks and gardens. Hedgehogs are also well established in our urban habitat and can, somewhat surprisingly, survive very well in our cities.
Hedgehogs live on the ground, never in trees. They like to live alone and may be territorial. Some hedgehogs dig burrows in the soil up to 20 inches (50 centimeters) deep. Others prefer to make nests with dead leaves, grasses, and branches.
Hedgehogs (family Erinaceidae) are small insectivorous mammals best known for their coat of stiff spines (in true hedgehogs) and their defensive curling behavior. The family also includes gymnures (moonrats), which lack spines but are close relatives.
Hedgehogs fall under the Erinaceidae family within the broader Eulipotyphla order, shared with shrews and moles. Within Erinaceidae are five distinct genera that diversely classify these creatures based on features and geography. The Erinaceus genus includes larger, long-spined 'Old World' hedgehogs found across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
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