Long-eared Hedgehog
Hemiechinus auritus
- Class
- Mammal
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 535
- Most observed in
- 🇷🇺 Russia
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
The long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) is a species of hedgehog native to Central Asian countries and some countries of the Middle East. The long-eared hedgehog lives in burrows that it either makes or finds and is distinguished by its long ears. It is considered one of the smallest Middle Eastern hedgehogs. This hedgehog is insectivorous but may also feed on small vertebrates and plants. In captivity they can live for over 7 years. Wild hedgehogs have been found to carry Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick, which can transmit Boutonneuse fever.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Long-eared hedgehog”.