 |
| Photo by Andrew Viljoen |
This is a guest post by Chistine Marot. This post originally appeared on the Jaci's Lodges lodges blog and you can read it here
The reclusive nature of the hedgehog
by Christine Marot – 27 October 2010
The reclusive hedgehog hunts for insects at night. Photo by Andrew Viljoen.There are reputed to be African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)in Madikwe, but sightings are extremely rare due to the size and reclusive nature of these tiny creatures. This hedgehog is about three-quarters of the length of a standard ruler, oval in shape, with short legs and a short tail. It weighs 600g on average.
The quills that cover its body usually lie flat, but when threatened it rolls into a tight ball by contracting a series of muscles, and presents its spiky exterior to would-be predators. In contrast to its prickly exterior, the face and underbelly of the hedgehog is covered in soft white fur.
African pygmy hedgehogs live approximately 2 to 3 years in the wild, feeding mainly on insects. Due to their amazing tolerance against toxins, these little creatures successfully feed on scorpions and snakes. They hunt predominantly at night, often covering quite large distances in search of food.
The hedgehog’s much larger cousin, the porcupine, is a formidable animal that can inflict serious damage with its long, sharp quills. Contrary to commonly held beliefs, the porcupine does not “shoot” its quills in defence. It actually backs into its enemy, spikes first! One of Madikwe's lions was apparently killed recently due to injuries caused by a porcupine.
Did you know?
The quills that cover its body usually lie flat, but when threatened it rolls into a tight ball by contracting a series of muscles, and presents its spiky exterior to would-be predators. In contrast to its prickly exterior, the face and underbelly of the hedgehog is covered in soft white fur.
African pygmy hedgehogs live approximately 2 to 3 years in the wild, feeding mainly on insects. Due to their amazing tolerance against toxins, these little creatures successfully feed on scorpions and snakes. They hunt predominantly at night, often covering quite large distances in search of food.
The hedgehog’s much larger cousin, the porcupine, is a formidable animal that can inflict serious damage with its long, sharp quills. Contrary to commonly held beliefs, the porcupine does not “shoot” its quills in defence. It actually backs into its enemy, spikes first! One of Madikwe's lions was apparently killed recently due to injuries caused by a porcupine.
Did you know?
- The hedgehog indulges in a strange behaviour called “self-annointing”. When it comes across a new scent or taste, it creates frothy saliva to cover its body, but the reason for this is unknown.
- Young hedgehogs are born with spines covered by a membrane. Just hours after birth the membrane dries up and the spines begin growing.
- Ideally hedgehogs prefer a temperature of 25 – 29°C. If the temperature rises higher, they enter a state of dormancy until conditions are more optimal. In winter they hibernate until warmer weather returns.
For more information on these properties or to find your ideal destination, please visit
No comments:
Post a Comment