Erinaceus europaeus
Range
They were introduced to New Zealand in the late 1800’s. They are also found in the temperate parts (not too hot) of Asia north of the Himalayas, North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, Europe and the islands off the coast of the UK.Habitat
They live in open woodlands, scrubby areas, farms and parks.Body Traits
They are small, rounded mammals that only weigh about 2 pounds. They have a pointed face and small eyes. They are covered with short spines. They roll up with spines pointed out if they feel threatened.Habits
They mostly live alone except to breed. They are good climbers and swimmers.Diet
They will eat worms, slugs, snails, insects, frogs, lizards and even mice and small birds.Predators
They are killed by dogs, polecats, badgers, owls and man.Reproduction
Females are pregnant (gestation) for up to 6 weeks and have 1- 9 tiny, undeveloped babies. They are born with spines under their wet skin. As their skin dries after birth, their spines pop out.Lifespan and/or Conservation Status
They live about 6 years in the wild. They are listed as Lower Risk – least concern.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Erinaceomorpha
- Family: Erinaceidae
- Subfamily: Erinaceinae
- Genus: Erinaceus
- Species: Erinaceus europaeus