Hedgehog

The hedgehog, a popular and iconic wild animal, plays an important role in many ecosystems as a natural pest controller. This fact sheet provides a detailed overview of the biology and ecology of the hedgehog and highlights the importance of its protection and integration into human habitats.

Hedgehog Products

Profile: Hedgehog

  • Scientific classification

    • Class: Mammalia (mammals)
    • Order: Eulipotyphla (insectivores)
    • Family: Erinaceidae (hedgehogs)
    • Genus: Erinaceus
    • Example species: Erinaceus europaeus (Western hedgehog)

  • Physical characteristics

    • Size: Body length of 20-30 cm
    • Weight: 500-1,500 g, depending on age and season
    • Special features: Spiky appearance due to numerous spines, pointed snout, short legs, dark eyes, small ears.

  • Habitat and distribution

    • Common regions: Europe, Asia, Africa
    • Habitat: Diverse, from forests to gardens and parks to urban areas; prefers areas with dense vegetation and shelter.

  • Nutrition

    • Diet: Omnivorous with a predominance of insects and invertebrates
    • Typical food: beetles, worms, snails, but also fruits, berries, eggs and occasionally small vertebrates.

  • Reproduction and lifestyle

    • Mating season: spring to summer
    • Gestation period: Approx. 35 days
    • Litter size: 3-7 young per litter
    • Brood care: Females raise the young alone
    • Social structure: Mostly solitary, outside of the mating season.

  • Lifespan and protection status

    • Life expectancy: Up to 5 years in the wild
    • Threat status: Not threatened, but habitat loss and fragmentation and traffic accidents may affect local populations.
    • Protective measures: preservation and protection of habitats, education about the benefits of hedgehogs in the garden, establishment of hedgehog protection zones.