Bookmarkable URL:http://hdl.handle.net/10217/52232
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Insectivora
Family:Erinaceidae
Genus:Erinaceus
Genus species:Erinaceus frontalis
South African hedgehog
Erinaceus
Hedgehogs
Erinaceidae
Insectivora
Mammals
Vertebrates
Chordata
Scientific Classification
Kingdom:AnimaliaPhylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Insectivora
Family:Erinaceidae
Genus:Erinaceus
Genus species:Erinaceus frontalis
Animal Characteristics
Head-Body Length:18-25 cm
Weight:300-700 g
Identification:The South African hedgehog is a dark chocolate brown color with black banded quills and a white band of fur across its forehead. Its belly fur is gray-brown.
Habitat:Open, dry or seasonal habitat with sparse or patchy grass cover, especially overgrazed areas
Diet:Omnivore: termites, beetles, earthworms, millipedes, small vertebrates, fungi and fallen fruits
Reproduction:Litters usually number four, but may reach 6-7. The young are born in holes or nests made in the grass.
Social Structure:The hedgehog is solitary except for females when they are young.
Behavior:The South African hedgehog is nocturnal or crepuscular. It has various vocalizations including a sniff, growl, twitter, spit, chatter, and scream.
Status:No special status
Interesting Facts:In cold habitats, the South African hedgehog will hibernate. The most striking adaptation of this hedgehog is the ability to curl up into a spiny ball.
Weight:300-700 g
Identification:The South African hedgehog is a dark chocolate brown color with black banded quills and a white band of fur across its forehead. Its belly fur is gray-brown.
Habitat:Open, dry or seasonal habitat with sparse or patchy grass cover, especially overgrazed areas
Diet:Omnivore: termites, beetles, earthworms, millipedes, small vertebrates, fungi and fallen fruits
Reproduction:Litters usually number four, but may reach 6-7. The young are born in holes or nests made in the grass.
Social Structure:The hedgehog is solitary except for females when they are young.
Behavior:The South African hedgehog is nocturnal or crepuscular. It has various vocalizations including a sniff, growl, twitter, spit, chatter, and scream.
Status:No special status
Interesting Facts:In cold habitats, the South African hedgehog will hibernate. The most striking adaptation of this hedgehog is the ability to curl up into a spiny ball.
Other Information
Geographic:Southern Africa Date:1958-1988 Subjects:insectivoreSouth African hedgehog
Erinaceus
Hedgehogs
Erinaceidae
Insectivora
Mammals
Vertebrates
Chordata