Hedgehog 46590 225246446 2008-07-12T17:52:56Z Discospinster 82432 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/86.139.156.235|86.139.156.235]] to last version by Toon05 (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]]) {{otheruses4|the spiny mammal|other uses|hedgehog (disambiguation)}} {{Taxobox | name = Hedgehogs<ref name=msw3>{{MSW3 Hutterer | pages = 212–217}}</ref> | image = Igel01.jpg | image_caption = [[European Hedgehog]] | regnum = [[Animal]]ia | phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]] | classis = [[Mammal]]ia | ordo = [[Erinaceomorpha]] | familia = [[Erinaceidae]] | subfamilia = '''Erinaceinae''' | subfamilia_authority = [[Johann Fischer von Waldheim|G. Fischer]], 1814 | subdivision_ranks = [[Genus|Genera]] | subdivision = *''[[Atelerix]]'' *''[[Erinaceus]]'' *''[[Hemiechinus]]'' *''[[Mesechinus]]'' *''[[Paraechinus]]'' }} A '''hedgehog''' is any of the small spiny [[mammal]]s of the [[subfamily]] '''Erinaceinae''' and the [[Order (biology)|order]] [[Erinaceomorpha]]. There are 16 [[species]] of hedgehog in five [[genus|genera]], found through parts of [[Europe]], [[Asia]], [[Africa]], and [[New Zealand]]. There are no hedgehogs native to [[Australia]], and no living species native to [[North America]]; those in New Zealand are introduced. Hedgehogs have changed little over the last 15 million years. Like many of the first mammals they have adapted to a [[nocturnal]], insectivorous way of life. The name 'hedgehog' came into use around the year 1450, derived from the [[Middle English]] 'heyghoge', from 'heyg', 'hegge' = hedge, because it frequents hedgerows, and 'hoge', 'hogge' = hog, from its piglike snout.<ref>Oxford English Dictionary, Online edition. Accessed 13 July 2007</ref> Other folk names include '[[urchin]]', 'hedgepig' and 'furze-pig'. ==Physical description== Hedgehogs are easily recognized by their [[spine (biology)|spine]]s, which are hollow hairs made stiff with [[keratin]]. Their spines are not [[poison]]ous or [[barb]]ed and, unlike the quills of a [[porcupine]], cannot easily be removed from the animal. However, spines normally come out when a hedgehog sheds baby spines and replaces them with adult spines. This is called "quilling". When under extreme stress or during sickness, a hedgehog can also lose spines. [[Image:Hedgehog sting in SEM, 20x.GIF|thumb|200px|Hedgehog spine in [[Scanning Electron Microscope]] ("SEM"), magnification 20 x]] [[Image:Hedgehog sting in SEM, 200x.GIF|thumb|200px|Hedgehog spine in SEM, magnification 200 x]] A defense that all species of hedgehogs possess is the ability to roll into a tight ball, causing all of the spines to point outwards. However, its effectiveness depends on the number of spines, and since some of the desert hedgehogs evolved to carry less weight, they are much more likely to try to run away and sometimes even attack the intruder, trying to ram into the intruder with its spines, leaving rolling as a last resort. This results in a different number of predators for different species: while forest hedgehogs have relatively few, primarily [[bird]]s (especially [[owl]]s) and [[ferret]]s, smaller species like the [[Long-eared Hedgehog]] are preyed on by [[fox]]es, [[wolf|wolves]] and [[mongoose]]s. All hedgehogs are primarily [[nocturnal]], although different species can be more or less likely to come out in the daytime. The hedgehog sleeps for a large portion of the daytime either under cover of bush, grass, rock or in a hole in the ground. Again, different species can have slightly different habits, but in general hedgehogs dig out dens for shelter. All wild hedgehogs can [[hibernation|hibernate]], although not all do; hibernation depends on temperature, species, and abundance of food. Hedgehogs have 5 toes on their front paws with short nails. However, on their back paws they have 4 toes with long, constantly growing nails. They have these characteristics because hedgehogs burrow. Hedgehogs are fairly vocal, and communicate not only in a series of grunts and snuffles, but sometimes in loud squeals (depending on species). Hedgehogs occasionally perform a ritual called [[anointing]]. When the animal comes across a new scent, it will lick and bite the source and then form a scented froth in its mouth and paste it on its spines with its tongue. It is not known what the specific purpose of this ritual is, but some experts believe anointing [[camouflage]]s the hedgehog with the new scent of the area and provides a possible poison or source of infection to any predator that gets poked by their spines. Anointing is sometimes also called [[anting (bird activity)|anting]] because of a similar behavior in birds. Similar to [[opossums]], [[mice]], and [[mole (animal)|moles]], hedgehogs have some natural immunity against [[snake venom]] due to the protein erinacin in the animal's muscular system.<ref>T. Omori-Satoh, Y. Yamakawa, D. Mebs (2000). The antihemorrhagic factor, erinacin, from the European hedgehog (''Erinaceus europaeus''), a metalloprotease inhibitor of large molecular size possessing ficolin/opsonin P35 lectin domains. ''Toxicon'' 38(11).</ref> Hedgehogs perform well with other pets, including cats and dogs. They are occasionally threatened by these animals, though, but for those rare instances, the hedgehogs just roll into a ball until the threat is gone. ==Diet== [[Image:Keqs young european hedgehog1.jpg|thumb|A [[West European Hedgehog]]]] Although traditionally classified in the now abandoned order [[Insectivora]], hedgehogs are not exclusively [[insectivore]]s but are almost omnivorous. Hedgehogs feed on [[insect]]s, [[snail]]s, [[frog]]s and [[toad]]s, [[snake]]s, [[egg (biology)|bird eggs]], [[carrion]], [[mushroom]]s, [[grass]] [[root]]s, [[berry|berries]], [[melon]]s, and [[watermelon]]s. In fact, berries constitute a major part of an [[Afghan Hedgehog]]'s diet in early spring after hibernation. The hedgehog is occasionally spotted after a rainstorm foraging for [[earthworm]]s. Although [[Erinaceus|forest hedgehogs]], most well-known to Europeans, are indeed mainly insectivores, this is not necessarily true for other species. In areas that have hedgehogs in the wild, they are often welcomed as a natural form of garden [[pest control]]. Many people leave food out to attract hedgehogs. Although hedgehogs are [[lactose intolerance|lactose-intolerant]], they will eagerly consume [[cheese]], [[milk]], and [[dairy product]]s, causing illness.<ref>http://www.sttiggywinkles.org.uk/Discover_St_Tiggywinkles/Costs/Fact_Sheets/Bread_milk/body_bread_milk.html</ref> The common pet hedgehog ([[Four-toed Hedgehog]]) can however have a small portion of cottage cheese as a dietary supplement. [[Dog food|Dog]] and [[cat food]] are better than dairy, but both are often too high in fat and too low in protein. It is best to leave out only a small treat, leaving them plenty of appetite for the pests in one's garden. ==Reproduction and lifespan== [[Image:European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus).jpg|thumb|A foraging [[West European Hedgehog]]]] Depending on the species, the [[gestation period]] is 35–58 days. The average litter is 3–4 newborns for larger species and 5–6 for smaller ones. As with many animals, it is not unusual for an adult male hedgehog to kill newborn males. The [[hedgehog's dilemma]] is based upon the apparent danger of a male hedgehog being injured from a spine while [[mating]] with a female hedgehog. It states that the closer two people are to each other, the more they may hurt one another. However, this is not an issue for hedgehogs as the male's [[penis]] is very near the center of its [[abdomen]] (often mistaken for a [[belly button]]) and the female has the ability to curl her tail upward to the point that her vulva protrudes behind the rest of her body. As such, the male doesn't have to get completely on top of the female when mating. Hedgehogs have a relatively long lifespan for their size. Larger species of hedgehogs live 4–7 years in the wild (some have been recorded up to 16 years), and smaller species live 2–4 years (4–7 in [[captivity (animal)|captivity]]), compared to a [[mouse]] at 2 years and a large [[rat]] at 3–5 years. Lack of predators and controlled diet contribute to a longer lifespan in captivity. Hedgehogs are born blind. Many believe that they are born without quills, which develop in the following days.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/devon/outdoors/nature/2003/hedgehog_lessons.shtml Hedgehog lessons are a prickly subject, 2003, BBC</ref> However, the quills are easily visible within hours of birth after the newborn hedgehog has been cleaned.<ref>[http://www.hamorhollow.com/gallery/20040420-01-Hedgies-Newborn/20040420_011_Hedgies_Newborn_DWC768 Baby hedgehogs less than five hours old. Quills are very long and visible.</ref> ==Domesticated hedgehogs== {{main|Domesticated hedgehog}} [[Image:HandheldHedgeHog.png|thumb|right|Hedgehog being held]] The most common pet species of hedgehog are [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]]s of the White-bellied Hedgehog or [[Four-toed Hedgehog]] (''Atelerix albiventris'') and the [[North African Hedgehog]] (''A. algirus''). It is smaller than the [[West European Hedgehog]], and thus is sometimes called the African Pygmy Hedgehog. Other species kept as pets are the [[Long-eared Hedgehog]] (''Hemiechinus auritus'') and the [[Indian Long-eared Hedgehog]] (''H. collaris''). Domesticated species prefer a warm climate (above 72°F/22°C but below 85°F/29.5°C) and do not naturally [[hibernation|hibernate]]. They eat an insectivore diet. Commonly, this is replaced with cat food and ferret food and is supplemented by insects and other small animals. Today, many pet stores sell hedgehog mixes that are specifically formulated for hedgehogs. Crickets, mealworms, and pinkies (baby mice) are also favored treats. It is illegal to own a hedgehog as a pet in some [[U.S. state]]s and some Canadian municipalities, and breeding licenses are required. No such restrictions exist in most European countries with the exception of [[Scandinavia]]. The purchase of domesticated hedgehogs has seen a considerable increase in the last few years owing to their apparently innocent and playful looks. Hedgehogs are difficult to maintain as pets because of their low resistance to climate and temperature changes, and their inability to adapt to enclosed environments. ==Pest control== [[Image:Igel.JPG|thumb|right|Hedgehog]] Hedgehogs are a powerful form of [[pest control]]. A single hedgehog can keep an average garden free of pests by eating up to 200 grams of insects each night. It is common throughout the [[United Kingdom]] to see people attempting to lure hedgehogs into their gardens with treats and hedgehog-sized holes in their fences. One problem with using hedgehogs for garden pest control is the use of chemical insecticide. While the hedgehog is large enough to resist most insecticides, it cannot withstand them if it eats many insects which have become full of the poison. This causes many hedgehog deaths where pet hedgehogs eat contaminated bugs within the house. In areas where hedgehogs have been introduced, such as [[New Zealand]] and the islands of [[Scotland]], the hedgehog itself has become a pest. In New Zealand it causes immense damage to native species including [[insect]]s, [[snail]]s and ground-nesting birds, particularly shore birds. As with many introduced animals, it lacks natural predators. With overpopulation, it kills off more insects than initially intended and expands its diet to include things such as snails, worms, and the eggs of wading birds. Attempts to [[island restoration|eliminate]] hedgehogs from bird colonies on the Scottish islands of [[North Uist]] and [[Benbecula]] in the [[Outer Hebrides]] have met with considerable opposition. ==Hedgehog diseases== There are many diseases common to hedgehogs.<ref>[http://www.wildlifeinformation.org/Preview_WildPro/List_Vols/Complete_Hedgehog/List_UKHedgehog_Disease.htm List of Hedgehog diseases</ref> These include [[cancer]], [[fatty liver|fatty liver disease]], and [[cardiovascular disease]]. Cancer is very common in hedgehogs. The most common is [[squamous cell carcinoma]]. Squamous cell spreads quickly from the bone to the organs in hedgehogs, unlike in humans. Surgery to remove the tumors is rare because it would result in removing too much bone structure. Fatty liver disease is believed by many to be caused by bad diet. Hedgehogs will eagerly eat foods that are high in fat and sugar. Having a metabolism adapted for low-fat, protein-rich insects, this leads to common problems of obesity. Fatty liver disease is one sign, heart disease is another. Hedgehogs uncommonly transmit a characteristic fungal skin infection to human handlers as well as other hedgehogs. This [[ringworm]] or [[dermatophytosis]] infection is caused by ''[[Trichophyton]] erinacei'', which forms a distinct mating group within the ''[[Arthroderma]] benhamiae'' species complex.<ref>T. Takahashi Y., Sano A., Takizawa K., Fukushima K., Miyaji M., Nishimura K. (2003). The epidemiology and mating behavior of Arthroderma benhamiae var. erinacei in household four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) in Japan. ''Nippon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi'' 44(1):31–8.</ref> It is possible for a hedgehog's lung to be injured in such a fashion that air is trapped under its skin, causing it to inflate to enormous size.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=459840&in_page_id=1770&ito=newsnow Vets 'pop' hedgehog to save its life after it balloons to size of football | the Daily Mail<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ==Human influence== As with most small mammals living around humans, [[car]]s pose a great threat to hedgehogs. Many are run over as they attempt to cross roadways. Another common human-related fatality is pesticides. Hedgehogs that eat insects filled with pesticides will often form digestive problems and eventually die. In 2006, [[McDonald's]] changed the design of their McFlurry containers to be more hedgehog-friendly.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.scotsman.com/scitech.cfm?id=1240322006|title=A prickly problem solved as hedgehog hazard is spiked|date=[[2006-08-23]]|accessdate=2007-05-03}}</ref> Previously, hedgehogs would get their heads stuck in the container as they tried to lick the remaining food from inside the cup. Then, being unable to get out, they would starve to death. [[Domesticated hedgehog]]s display this behavior by getting their head stuck in tubes (commonly, lavatory paper tubes) and walking around with the tube on their head. Hedgehog owners often refer to this as "tubing" and promote the behavior by supplying clean tubes.<ref>[http://www.hedgehogworld.com/content/view/32/42/ Hedgehog World - A community for African Pygmy Hedgehog Owners and Breeders - Environmental Enrichment<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ==Culinary use== Hedgehogs are a food source in many cultures. Hedgehogs were eaten in [[Ancient Egyptian cuisine|Ancient Egypt]] and some recipes of the [[Medieval cuisine|Late Middle Ages]] call for hedgehog meat.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/britain/article/0,,2169066,00.html Roast hedgehog and nettle pud - a slap-up feast for ancient Britons | UK news | The Guardian<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Hedgehog meat is still acceptable in some societies, and there are folk-remedies that include it as an ingredient. A method of preparation that has been used since ancient times is to cover a hedgehog with clay and bake it. The hedgehog is then removed and the clay cracked open, taking the spikes of the hedgehog with it, a practice that a common [[urban myth]] claims is widespread among [[Romani people|gypsies]]. {{Fact|date=July 2007}} During the 1980s, "hedgehog-flavoured" [[crisps]] were introduced in Britain, although the product did not in fact contain any hedgehog.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A16455053 Potato Crisps – A History], BBC</ref> ==Genera and species== [[Image:Long Eared hedgehog.jpg|240px|thumb|right|[[Long-eared Hedgehog]]]] [[Image:tygertyger hedgehog.jpg|thumb|200px|An urban hedgehog out foraging at night.]] Subfamily '''Erinaceinae''' ('''Hedgehogs''')<ref name=msw3/> * Genus ''[[Atelerix]]'' ** [[Four-toed Hedgehog]], ''Atelerix albiventris'' ** [[North African Hedgehog]], ''Atelerix algirus'' ** [[Southern African Hedgehog]], ''Atelerix frontalis'' ** [[Somalid Hedgehog]], ''Atelerix sclateri'' * Genus ''[[Erinaceus]]'' ** [[Amur Hedgehog]], ''Erinaceus amurensis'' ** [[Southern White-breasted Hedgehog]], ''Erinaceus concolor'' ** [[West European Hedgehog]], ''Erinaceus europaeus'' ** [[Northern White-breasted Hedgehog]], ''Erinaceus roumanicus'' * Genus ''[[Hemiechinus]]'' ** [[Long-eared Hedgehog]], ''Hemiechinus auritus'' ** [[Indian Long-eared Hedgehog]], ''Hemiechinus collaris'' * Genus ''[[Mesechinus]]'' ** [[Daurian Hedgehog]], ''Mesechinus dauuricus'' ** [[Hugh's Hedgehog]], ''Mesechinus hughi'' * Genus ''[[Paraechinus]]'' ** [[Desert Hedgehog]], ''Paraechinus aethiopicus'' ** [[Brandt's Hedgehog]], ''Paraechinus hypomelas'' ** [[Indian Hedgehog]], ''Paraechinus micropus '' ** [[Bare-bellied Hedgehog]], ''Paraechinus nudiventris'' ==See also== * [[Hedgehogs in culture]] * [[Hedgehog's dilemma]] * [[Porcupine]]s - [[rodents]] similar to hedgehogs * [[Echidna]]s - members of the order [[Monotreme|Monotremata]] similar to hedgehogs ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{commonscat|Erinaceidae}} *{{dmoz|Science/Biology/Flora_and_Fauna/Animalia/Chordata/Mammalia/Insectivora/Hedgehogs/|Hedgehogs (Species)}} *[http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/classification/Erinaceinae.html#Erinaceinae Hedgehog reference at the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology] *[http://www.abdn.ac.uk/mammal/hedgehog.shtml UK Mammal Society fact sheet - European Hedgehog] *[http://www.wildlife-web.org.uk/hedgehog Extensive Hedgehog Facts] *[http://www.thehedgehog.co.uk thehedgehog.co.uk ] *[http://www.hedgehogcentral.com hedgehogcentral.com ] {{Erinaceomorpha}} [[Category:Hedgehogs| ]] [[Category:Erinaceomorphs]] [[Category:Fauna of Ireland]] [[ca:Eriçó]] [[cs:Ježkové]] [[cy:Draenog]] [[ar:القنفذ]] [[da:Pindsvin]] [[de:Stacheligel]] [[es:Erizo]] [[eo:Erinaco]] [[fa:جوجه‌تیغی]] [[fr:Hérisson]] [[he:קיפוד]] [[hr:Jež]] [[it:Erinaceinae]] [[ja:ハリネズミ]] [[ko:고슴도치아과]] [[lb:Stachelkéiseckeren]] [[nl:Egel]] [[no:Pinnsvin]] [[os:Уызын]] [[pl:Jeżowate]] [[pt:Ouriço]] [[ro:Arici]] [[ru:Лесные ежи]] [[scn:Rizzu]] [[sl:ježi]] [[sr:Јеж]] [[su:Landak]] [[fi:Varsinaiset siilit]] [[sv:Igelkottar]] [[tr:Yaygın kirpi]] [[th:เม่น]] [[zh:刺猬]] [[zh-min-nan:Chiam-chhí]]