European hedgehog
Erinaceus europaeus
Near threatenedPhoto: Michael Gäbler · CC BY-SA 3.0
Mammalinsectivore
The Western European Hedgehog is a small, spiny mammal found across Europe, from Spain to Scandinavia. Known for its prickly coat and love of gardens, it helps control pests by munching on insects. Though widespread, its numbers are dropping sharply in parts of the UK.
- Its spines are modified hairs that protect it from predators.
- It was introduced to New Zealand in the 19th and 20th centuries.
- It thrives in gardens, eating slugs, beetles, and other pests.
ForestGrasslandUrbanEurope
Read more on WikipediaAt a glance
- Classification
- Mammal
- Scientific name
- Erinaceus europaeus
- Habitat
- Forest, Grassland, Urban
- Regions in this directory
- Europe
- Diet
- insectivore
- Relative size
- small
- IUCN Red List
- Near Threatened (NT)
