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Hedgehogs have a relatively long lifespan for their size. In captivity, lack of predators and controlled diet contribute to a lifespan of eight to ten years depending on size. In the wild, larger species live four to seven years (some recorded up to 16 years), and smaller species live two to four years (four to seven in captivity).
European hedgehogs may live to more than ten years of age, although the average life expectancy is three years. Starvation is the most common cause of death, usually occurring during hibernation. If alarmed, the animal will roll into a ball to protect itself.
France: European hedgehogs are protected, no specie of hedgehog can be kept as pets. Spain: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets. Four-toed hedgehogs are illegal and considered an exotic invasive species. Sweden: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets. Four-toed hedgehogs may legally be kept as pets.
If desert hedgehogs are threatened, their muscles go tight and pull the outer layer of skin around the body, making their quills stick out in all directions. The spines have been theorized to aid in defense, but research has shown that this is likely incidental. Rather, the spines do not break in the manner of porcupine quills, but instead bend.
The Southern African hedgehog is said to be a slow mover; however, when threatened, it can move surprisingly fast at 6 to 7 km/h (3.7 to 4.3 mph). [3] During the day, they typically stay where they live, which is an area that is covered with vegetation or in a hole in the ground.
Female four-toed hedgehogs do not go into estrus during any particular season, and are fertile throughout the year, although mating is most common during the rainy season, when food is most abundant. The female typically gives birth to a single litter each year, which may contain from two to ten hoglets, with four or five being most typical.
This species of hedgehogs are known to occupy larger home ranges than other hedgehog species. [3] The adult Daurian hedgehog is 15 to 20 centimeters long and weighs up to 1 kilogram (usually around 600 grams). Most live up to six years in nature. Like most hedgehog species in temperate regions, the Daurian hibernates during the winter.
The Caucasus Mountains played a significant role in dividing the white breasted hedgehog to southern and northern locations. North of the Caucasus Mountains lies Russia, which is where some white breasted hedgehogs are located. Other hedgehogs live in Turkey, Iran, and Israel due to the distribution of this species. [5] Southern white-breasted ...