Facts about hedgehogs
Habitat
The African Pygmy Hedgehog can be found in many different areas of Africa. Specifically, hedgehogs will burrow in compact and dry places. Also, for a hedgehog to find the perfect habitat, it will search for a plethora of insects for its diet.
Classifications
Hedgehogs are insectivores, meaning they feast mainly on insects. The scientific name for the African Pygmy Hedgehog is Atelerix Albiventris and it is a part of the Erinaceidae family. There are many species of hedgehogs that are unique in their own ways, particularly based on adaptations made by location changes.
Fun facts
- Hedgehogs self-anoint themselves with their saliva in order to draw their scent away from predators.
- If terribly frightened, hedgehogs may scream.
- “The ancient Romans are believed to have had a “Hedgehog Day” to predict spring” (Audubon Nature Institute).
- “Researchers at 2 universities have discovered that the blood of both the European and African hedgehogs contains a lipoprotein identical to one of those found in human blood. This lipoprotein contributes to the formation of clots that cause heart attacks. Hedgehogs may eventually contribute a solution to a human health problem” (Rosamond Gifford Zoo 2).