Geographic Range [top] Range Description: Erinaceus europaeus is endemic to Europe (including European Russia), with a distribution extending from the British Isles and the Iberian peninsula, westwards through much of western to central Europe; and from southern Fennoscandia, and the northern Baltic to north-west Russia. It is present on the Azores and a number of Mediterranean islands, but is absent from south-east Europe and southern Russia. It is typically found at altitudes of up to 600 m, although it can reach 1,500-2,000 m in the Alps (Lapini 1999). Countries occurrence: Native: Austria; Belgium; Croatia; Czech Republic; Denmark; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Ireland; Italy; Latvia; Luxembourg; Netherlands; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Russian Federation; Slovenia; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; United Kingdom Additional data: Bibliography [top] Huijser, M.P. 1999. Human impact on populations of hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus through traffic and changes in the landscape: a review. Lutra 42:39-56. IUCN.

2016. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2016-3. Available at: . (Accessed: 07 December 2016). Lapini, L. 1999. Erinaceus europaeus. In: A.J. Mitchell-Jones, G. Amori, W. Bogdanowicz, B. Kryštufek, P.J.H. Reijnders, F. Spitzenberger, M. Stubbe, J.B.M. Thissen, V. Vohralík, and J. Zima (eds), The Atlas of European Mammals. Academic Press, London. Pacifici, M., Santini, L., Di Marco, M., Baisero, D., Francucci, L., Grottolo Marasini, G., Visconti, P. and Rondinini, C. 2013. Generation length for mammals. Nature Conservation 5: 87–94. Verkem, S., De Maeseneer, J., Vandenddriessche, B., Verbeylen, G.

and Yskout, S. 2003. Zoogdieren in Vlaanderen. Ecologie en verspreiding van 1987 tot 2002. Natuurpunt Studie & JNM-Zoogdierenwerkgroep, Mechelen & Gent, België.. Citation: Amori, G. 2016. Erinaceus europaeus. In: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T29650A2791303. . Downloaded on 19 January 2017. Disclaimer: Erinaceus europaeus (European hedgehog) Erinaceus europaeus (European hedgehog) More... Summary of Invasiveness Erinaceus europaeus (hedgehogs) threaten native invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians and ground-nesting bird nests through predation. In areas where hedgehogs have been introduced, they also compete with native insectivores. Hedgehogs are native to We... Don't need the entire report? Generate a print friendly version containing only the sections you need.

Adult Caption Erinaceus europaeus (European hedgehog); adult in typical habitat. Note facial hair, as well as spines on body. Chemnitz, Germany. October, 2007. Copyright ©Jörg Hempel-2007/via Wikipedia - CC BY-SA 2.0 DE AdultErinaceus europaeus (European hedgehog); adult in typical habitat. Note facial hair, as well as spines on body. Chemnitz, Germany. October, 2007.©Jörg Hempel-2007/via Wikipedia - CC BY-SA 2.0 DE Title Adult Caption Erinaceus europaeus (European hedgehog); in habitat. Note coarse facial hair, as well as spines on body. Avesta, Sweden. July, 2010. Copyright ©Calle Eklund/via Wikipedia - CC BY-SA 3.0 AdultErinaceus europaeus (European hedgehog); in habitat. Note coarse facial hair, as well as spines on body. Avesta, Sweden.

July, 2010.©Calle Eklund/via Wikipedia - CC BY-SA 3.0 Title Erinaceus europaeus (European hedgehog); in defensive posture. Bremen,. Germany. Copyright ©Jürgen Howaldt/via Wikipedia - CC BY-SA 2.0 DE Defensive postureErinaceus europaeus (European hedgehog); in defensive posture. Bremen,. Germany.©Jürgen Howaldt/via Wikipedia - CC BY-SA 2.0 DE Title Erinaceus europaeus (European hedgehog); one-day old hoglet. Copyright ©Enrico Cian-2012/via Wikipedia - CC BY-SA 3.0 - All rights reserved unless otherwise explicitly stated. HogletErinaceus europaeus (European hedgehog); one-day old hoglet.©Enrico Cian-2012/via Wikipedia - CC BY-SA 3.0 - All rights reserved unless otherwise explicitly stated.

Identity English: brown-breasted hedgehog; hedgehog, European; hedgehog, West European; West European hedgehog; western European hedgehog Spanish: erizo Top of page Erinaceus europaeus (hedgehogs) threaten native invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians and ground-nesting bird nests through predation. In areas where hedgehogs have been introduced, they also compete with native insectivores. Hedgehogs are native to Western Europe and have been introduced to New Zealand and to island groups within their native range where they did not naturally occur. Taxonomic Tree Top of page Small brownish nocturnal mammal (adults 600-1500g) with a distinctive coat of spines covering the back and crown of the head. The front paws are powerful and adapted for digging while the hid paws are long and narrow. Erinaceus europaeus (hedgehogs) typically roll into a ball when disturbed, this is enabled by a powerful dorsal muscle called the musculus orbicularis. Overall they are darker in appearance than E. concolor which usually has a white patch of fur over its chest.

Droppings are cylindrical in shape, about 30-50mm long and often contain insect exoskeleton fragments. They are stained dark green by bile and are pointed at one end (Jones and Sanders 2005). Distribution Top of page Native range: Erinaceus europaeus (hedgehogs) are native to western and parts of northern Europe. Known introduced range: Hedgehogs have only been successfully introduced in the wild in New Zealand, where thay have invaded all but alpine habitats. They are more rare in very frosty or wet habitats. Distribution Table Top of page The distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report. Country Top of page Nutrition Invertebrates dominate the hedgehogs diet, especially beetles and caterpillars which appear to contribute most to dietary energy. It has been estimated that hedgehogs can eat around 160g of invertebrates per day.

Otherwise, hedgehog diet is varied, and can depend on local conditions and prey availablity, indicating an opportunistic feeding behaviour (Jones and Sanders, 2005). This doesn't mean they are unselective in their diet as certain prey species are prefered over other equally abundant species. For example, one hedgehog stomach examined in New Zealand contained over 283 weta (Hemiandrus) legs (Jones et al. 2005). They also are known to eat bird eggs and chicks, carrion, and small reptiles and frogs (Jones and Sanders, 2005). Reproduction Placental. Sexual. Completely promiscuous, one female may mate with five or more males. Female hedgehogs have a succession of oestrus cycles throughout the breeding season. No postpartum oestrus (Jones and Sanders, 2005). Lifecycle stages Gestation period of 35 +/- 4 days. At 3-4 weeks old the young first explore outside the nest. At 5-6 weeks old they become fully weaned and independent.

Average life expectancy in the wild is about 3-4 years (6-8 years max.) (Jones and Sanders, 2005). Means of Movement and Dispersal Introduction pathways to new locations Acclimatisation societies: Biological control: Erinaceus europaeus (hedgehogs) were introduced to Western Isles in Scotland, UK to control slugs and snails in gardens Local dispersal methods Intentional release: Erinaceus europaeus (hedgehogs) were released to control pests Natural dispersal (local): Top of page Erinaceus europaeus (hedgehogs) prey on invertebrates and small vertebrates such as lizards and bird eggs and chicks. Hedgehogs are known to eat large amounts of individual prey types meaning they can have significant impacts on small localised populations of prey items (Jones et al. 2005). Female hedgehogs were three times more likely to have eaten lizards than males in a New Zealand study (Jones et al. 2005). In the Uist group shorebird numbers declined by 39% in areas where hedgehogs are present between 1983 and 2000 (Jackson et al.

2004). Up to 60% of nests of some wader species on South Uist were destroyed by hedgehogs in the 1996 and 1997 breeding seasons (Jackson and Green, 2000). Hedgehogs may act as vectors for some human and stock diseases. However, they are unable to maintain a reservoir for bovine Tb and most diseases and parasites are host specific (Jones and Sanders, 2005). Hedgehogs are known to compete with native insectivores, such as the kiwi in New Zealand (where competition for nest sites is also an issue) and two shrew species in Germany (Jones and Sanders, 2005; Guntram G. Meier, pers.comm 2006). Risk and Impact Factors Top of page Erinaceus europaeus (hedgehogs) are often caught as by-catch in many predator control programmes throughout New Zealand without apparently reducing long term population numbers. May be less susceptible to poisoning than other mammals. Cameron et al. (2002) investigated which trapping variables led to increased hedgehog catch success in New Zealand braided river ecosystems.

They found that most hedgehogs were caught on pathways and on river terraces. Highest success rates were recorded whan the trap plate was hazed with vegetation rather than left bare or covered with substrate. Please follow this link to view details of the Doc trapping system setting guidelines for Doc 150 and Doc 250 . Doc 150 and Doc 250 have passed ‘draft’ NAWAC (National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee) guidelines as humane kill traps for stoats, rats and hedgehogs. In the Uist group in Scotland hedgehogs are live captured using a variety of methods (spot-lamping, live-trapping and searcing with dogs) and then released on the mainland (SNH, 2008). Animal rights activists in the UK have prevented lethal control methods being used to remove hedgehogs from these important areas for breeding wading birds. Bibliography BirdLife International 2007a. Himantopus novaezelandiae. In: IUCN 2007. 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Birdlife International 2007b. Sterna albostriata.

In: IUCN 2007. 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Bomford, M., 2003. Risk Assessment for the Import and Keeping of Exotic Vertebrates in Australia. Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra. Brockie, R. E. 1990. European hedgehog. The Handbook of New Zealand Mammals. King, C. M. (ed.) Oxford University Press: 99-113. Cameron, B.G., van Heezik, Y., Maloney, R.F., Seddon, P.J. and Harraway, J.A. 2005. Improving predator capture rates: analysis of river margin trap site data in the Waitaki Basin, New Zeaand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology 29: 117-128. Department of Conservation (DOC)., undated. Predator traps. Doc trapping systems Doc 250 Department of Conservation (DOC)., undated. Predator traps. Doc trapping systems Doc 150 IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)., 2010.

A Compilation of Information Sources for Conservation Managers Involved in the Prevention, Eradication, Management and Control of the Spread of Invasive Alien Species that are a Threat to Native biodiversity and Natural Ecosystems. Jackson, D. B. 2001. Experimental removal of introduced hedgehogs improves wader nest success in the Western Isles, Scotland. Journal of Applied Ecology 38: 802-812. Jackson, D.B. 2006. The breeding biology of introduced hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) on a Scottish Island: lessons for population control and bird conservation. Journal of Zoology, 268: 303-314. Jackson, D.B. and Green, R.E. 2000. The importance of the introduced hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) as a predator of the eggs of waders (Charadrii) on machair in South Uist, Scotland. Biological Conservation 93: 333-348. Jackson, D.B., Fuller, R.J. and Campbell, S.T. 2004.

Long-term population changes among breeding shorebirds in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, in relation to introduced hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus). Biological Conservation 117: 151-166. Jones, C. & Sanders, M.S. 2005. Hedgehog. In: The Handbook of New Zealand Mammals (ed C.M. King) pp. 81-94. Oxford University Press, Auckland. Jones, C., Moss, K. and Sanders, M. 2005. Diet of hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in the upper Waitaki Basin, New Zealand: implications for conservations. New Zealand Journal of Ecology 29: 29-35. Moss, K. and Sanders, M. 2001. Advances in New Zealand mammalogy 1990-2000: Hedgehog. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand 31(1): 31-42. Moutou, F. 1983. Introduction dans les îles: l'exemple de l'île de la Réunion. C.R Soc.

Biogéogr. 59 (2) : 201-211 Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle [Ed]. 2003-2006. Erinaceus europaeus Linnaeus, 1758. Inventaire national du Patrimoine naturel Probst J.-M. 1997. Animaux de la Réunion. Azalées Editions. 168 pp. Probst J.-M. 1999. Catalogue des Vertébrés de l’île de la Réunion. Amphibiens, Reptiles, Oiseaux et Mammifères se reproduisant sur l’île. Rapport DIREN. 167 pp. Reeve, N. 1994. Hedgehogs. T. & A. D. Poyser, London, England. 313pp. Salamolard, M. 2002. Orientations Régionales de Gestion de la Faune sauvage et d’amélioration de la qualité de ses Habitats- Etat des lieux - SEOR. DIREN.

57 p. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). 2008. The Uist Wader Project Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Undated. The Uist Wader Project Factsheet Number 3 All about Uist hedgehogs Varnham, K. 2006. Non-native species in UK Overseas Territories: a review. JNCC Report 372. Peterborough: United Kingdom. References BBC Nature - Hedgehog videos, news and facts Hedgehog Hedgehog Hedgehogs are the only British mammal with spines. When threatened they will roll into a tight ball , with the spines providing sharp protection from predators . Young hedgehogs are born with soft spines under the skin to protect mum, with a second set of spines emerging within days. One peculiarity to all hedgehogs is the way they cover their spines in foamy saliva, the reason why they do this remains a mystery although it has been suggested it might be a sexual attractant, or be used to reduce parasites, or as additional protection .

Hedgehogs aren't fussy when it comes to food: worms , slugs, frogs and even bird eggs can be taken during a two kilometre nightly forage, a resistance to adder venom can also put this snake on the menu. Did you know? The name for a baby hedgehog is a hoglet. Scientific name: Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog – Devon Mammal Group Species Erinaceus europaeus Conservation / protected status According to The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the hedgehog is common and abundant throughout its wide range. Therefore, following the 2008 assessment, the hedgehog is classified as Least Concern (LC). This species is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention. It occurs in a number of protected areas throughout its wide range. It is also legally protected in many countries within its range [2]. The hedgehog is also listed as a Priority Species for conservation action under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan [3], and protected from harm in the UK under Schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 [4].

Under the NERC Act 2006, the hedgehog is categorised as a ‘Species of Principal Importance’ for biodiversity. Listing as a Biodiversity Action Plan priority and ‘Principal Importance’ species reflects concerns that hedgehog numbers are in decline and that some protection should be afforded to hedgehogs habitat through the planning system. This is discussed further below. Distribution / current and local status The European Hedgehog is found in most parts of Europe and Asia. There are two geographical races, the western (E. europaeus europaeus), which is the species found in the UK, and over the whole of western Europe, including southern Scandinavia and northern Russia (for European distribution map, see ), and the eastern (E. europaeus roumanicus), which occurs no further west than eastern Germany [5]. The eastern hedgehog has lighter coloured ventral fur and different skull morphology and is sometimes known as the ‘white-breasted hedgehog’. This form is genetically distinct [6] and often classified as a separate species Erinaceus concolor. The hedgehog is common in parks, gardens and farmland throughout mainland Britain and Ireland.

It has also been introduced to many islands including Orkney, Shetland, Isle of Man and some of the Channel Islands [7]. Western European hedgehogs have also been introduced to New Zealand. The hedgehog is generally a relatively common and widespread species. There is concern that there has been a recent population decline in the UK. The extent of current data, from the Tracking Mammals partnership, using a standardised survey method since 2005, indicates a significant decrease in hedgehog numbers equivalent to a 44% decline over the last 25 years [8]. In 2007 The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) launched a national survey ‘Hogwatch’, which suggested a decline in both suburban and rural areas; hedgehogs were more likely to be seen in the east of the UK, which however was the part of the country with a higher rate of hedgehog loss. Hedgehogs were absent from intensively urbanised conurbations and also more sparsely recorded from the south west, including central Devon [9]. The population trend currently listed by the IUCN is ‘stable’ [2].

This does not include island populations which have been introduced and are not considered part of the natural population range. Hedgehog records in Devon Devon Biodiversity Records Centre (DBRC) has scattered hedgehog records for most 1km squares in Devon, and they are expected to have a widespread distribution. Overall, hedgehogs are thought to be under-recorded in the county. Records are concentrated in suburban areas (see map), which perhaps reflects to some extent the higher number of active recorders in conurbations. However it is speculated that hedgehogs have higher survival prospects in suburban areas, where there are fewer badgers, which are the hedgehog’s only significant natural predator. Correspondingly it may be that hedgehogs live at a lower population density in agricultural areas where habitat is more fragmented and where there are higher badger populations. There are few records from upland moors such as Dartmoor and the pebblebed heathlands of east Devon, habitats which are regarded as unsuitable for hedgehogs, for reasons described further below. General Description The hedgehog is one of the UK’s most instantly recognisable native mammals, as it is the only British mammal to have spines.

The European hedgehog is a short, compact mammal with a pointed snout and a short tail. Body Length: 18-30 cm Ear: 2-3.5 cm Body Weight: 600-800 g [5, 6, 11, 12] Males and females are similar in appearance. Males are sometimes said to be bigger than females but size and weight fluctuate throughout the active season, which means determining the sex of an individual by sight is unreliable without inspecting the hedgehog’s genitalia. Body weight increases from 120 g at weaning, and may sometimes exceed 1000 g towards the hibernation period [6, 11, 12]. The spines are modified hollow hairs made stiff with keratin, construction which is light but also flexible. Hedgehogs are adept at climbing and are known to drop from height while rolled into a ball, using the spines as shock absorbers. Spines are about 22 mm long, pale creamy brown with dark band near tip. There is no seasonal moult, and the spines are long-lasting, replaced irregularly.

Individual spines are still present after 18 months [11, 12]. The hedgehog’s spines are not poisonous, nor barbed, and, unlike the quills of a porcupine, are embedded within the skin through muscle attachments, so that they cannot easily be removed from the hedgehog. Through this means a hedgehog is able to bristle its spines and point them directionally towards a threat. Immature hedgehogs undergo a single moult when they shed baby spines and replace them with adult spines. This is called “quilling”. When under extreme stress or during sickness, a hedgehog can also lose spines [1]. Bald hedgehogs have sometimes been bought into hedgehog rescue centres. These are often then kept in captivity, as they would not be expected to survive in the wild without their principal defence. Habitat The European hedgehog usually lives in deciduous woodland, woodland edges, hedgerows and grasslands. They also thrive in a variety of man-made habitats including orchards, vineyards, farmland, parks and gardens, including those in urban areas and suburban areas, where grassy areas provide plenty of food for them [2].

It is rarely seen in wetlands or on unsheltered ground [5]. Intensively farmed arable land is probably a poor habitat, as are moorlands, heathlands and dense conifer forests [7]. Acidic soils are generally inhospitable to the hedgehog’s invertebrate earthworm prey. Hedgehogs construct nests from leaves, and it has been suggested that the deciduous tree line may also determine range limits [12]. Behaviour and life History traits Hedgehogs may live for up to 6 years, or exceptionally to 10 years; over half die before their first birthday and average life expectancy is about 2-3 years [7]. General Behaviour Hedgehogs are mainly nocturnal, and rarely active during the day. Later in the year hedgehogs active before dusk and after dawn may be trying to build up fat reserves prior to hibernation. Otherwise hedgehogs seen during the day are more likely to be injured or suffering from poisoning or infection. In such cases hedgehog rescue centres can sometimes treat afflicted animals. Hedgehogs travel large distances while foraging, not uncommonly 2km or more in a night.

Radio tracking studies in the 1980s revealed that males travelled further than females, with the range of the male overlapping those of several females. These studies also showed that hedgehogs were not sedentary but that their ranges shifted gradually and progressively through the season. Individuals used several nests within their foraging range and often would not use the same nest on consecutive nights. This means that an individual hedgehog is not likely to remain in permanent residence in a particular domestic garden. There is little direct interaction between individuals and, apart from when breeding, hedgehogs appear to avoid one another. Hedgehogs do not hold and defend territories, but do keep to a defined area, known as a ‘home range’. There is some suggestion that there may be a hierarchical use of prime feeding areas. If so there is little to indicate what the communication mechanism might be: hedgehogs have a keen sense of smell but there is no obvious pattern shown in where, for example, droppings are deposited [6, 12]. When they are alarmed, hedgehogs protect themselves by rolling up into a defensive ball and effectively fending off any predators [5, 6, 11, 12, 13].

Rolling up is controlled by a powerful muscle band girdling the body, which can be held closed without tiring for protracted periods. When rolled up, only badgers, and in certain locations pine martens, are strong enough to unroll a hedgehog [6, 12]. However this is not the hedgehog’s sole defensive strategy. Hedgehogs are often regarded as slow animals due to their customary slow, crouched, rocking locomotion as they forage, but, if required, hedgehogs can raise themselves up on their legs and run quite swiftly, reaching average speeds of 30-40 metres per minute over short distances [12]. They are able swimmers, sometimes seen crossing rivers. They can climb banks, but may be unable to escape from steep-sided garden ponds [6]. Feeding Hedgehogs are omnivorous, but diet predominantly consists of invertebrate prey such as insects and their larvae, beetles, slugs, snails, and worms, They find prey by sound and scent and do not rely upon eyesight. However, almost any kind of edible matter will be consumed if available, including carrion.

It has been known for hedgehogs to eat lizards and snakes, frogs, moles and young rabbits, but these sorts of prey are not likely to be common food in the wild. Furthermore they may plunder the nests of partridges or pheasants, and will also eat fruits and berries, acorns and oily seeds, roots and fungi occasionally [5, 6, 12, 14]. Experiments carried out with captive hedgehogs showed that although they preferred an animal-based diet e.g. meat, fat, milk, cheese and fish, vegetable foods were also taken. These included cooked potatoes and carrots, radishes, berries and fruits e.g. orange, strawberries, crushed pineapple, dates and pears [14]. It is now well known that traditional milk and bread are not suitable for hedgehog diet, and will tend to give them diarrhoea. Meat, in the form of dog and cat food, and water, are best as supplementary foods [12]. Breeding The hedgehog’s breeding season generally lasts from April until September, but the main period of activity is usually in May and June when the nights are warm.

That is when you are most likely to hear the loud, rhythmic snorting of ‘courting’ hedgehogs. The male circles the female for as much as 20 minutes or more, while the female emits a loud huffing, buffeting the male away unless prepared to mate. There is no evidence of any sort of pair bond between male and female hedgehogs. Sometimes they may pair up with another partner the very same night [6, 12]. Females are usually pregnant for about four and a half weeks and then give birth to up to seven pink, blind young in a nest made of grass and leaves. At birth, the young have short white spines, which they lose within a few weeks when the brown spines grow through. They feed on the mother’s milk and become independent at two months old [13]. Until this time there is some maternal care, and mothers may be seen leading a train of young hedgehogs on foraging expeditions. In some years it may be possible for hedgehogs to rear two broods during the active season. The later brood needs to acquire sufficient fat reserves to survive hibernation; in weight terms, individuals need to weigh at least 450g.

This is when putting out food for hedgehogs in the garden can be of greatest value. Because female hedgehogs may have been raising offspring late into the year, which is energetically demanding, they are often active later than males, as they attempt to gain body weight. Male hedgehogs may then enter into, and emerge from, hibernation, earlier than female hedgehogs [6]. Hibernation Hedgehogs avoid the coldest times of winter and the absence of prey by hibernating, usually between November and early April, depending on the weather. Prior to hibernation, the hedgehog builds up a store of special brown fat; this is thought to help provide energy to re-activate metabolism when the hedgehog arouses from hibernation. The precise cues for hibernation are not well understood, but day length, food resources and hormone concentrations are thought to contribute. During hibernation, metabolism can slow to 1-2 heart beats per minute. Hedgehogs may wake up several times over winter, occasionally building new hibernation nests in different locations. In the spring they commonly spend a few days being active then enter hibernation again during a cold snap.

The winter nest is made of leaves, tucked under a bush or log pile or garden shed, anywhere that offers support and protection [6, 7, 12]. Hedgehogs in the Garden Short grass such as garden lawns is good feeding habitat for hedgehogs at certain times of year, where earthworms, slugs, beetles and leather jackets can more easily be taken. Hedgehogs prefer to be close to cover. Gardens where there is a mix of shrub cover and open lawn, where pesticides are not used (so that there is an abundance of invertebrate prey), and where there are hedges, instead of fences, to provide nesting spaces and access to other gardens, are among the best places to see hedgehogs. The hedgehog is known as ‘the gardener’s friend’ as it will eat slugs, caterpillars etc., and does no harm. They make poor pets and should not be kept in captivity, but instead regarded as welcome garden visitors [15]. For more information on how to encourage hedgehogs into your garden, visit the website of British Hedgehog Preservation Society, .

Piles of leaves and undisturbed corners, with logpiles or other materials under which to construct a nest, may encourage hedgehogs to nest in your garden. Predators and other threats The hedgehog’s spines usually provide adequate protection against most predators, though a few young or sickly animals may be killed by foxes, badgers and dogs. Badgers are thought to be a main predator of hedgehogs, and have been shown to exclude them from areas that are otherwise suitable [16]. In certain areas very occasionally hedgehogs may be taken by polecat, tawny owl and golden eagle. Large numbers are killed on roads, though the main cause of mortality is insufficient fat reserves having been built up prior to hibernation. Many effectively starve to death during hibernation, especially during their first winter. Hedgehogs can swim but will drown in garden ponds if there is no means to climb out [11], so always ensure that there are several gently sloping slipways to allow them to escape if they fall in [15]. They are sometimes injured by strimmers and lawnmowers, so check long grass before cutting. If you encourage hedgehogs into your garden they will eat the slugs.

Slug pellets are widely regarded as a hazard, though this has not been proven. The threat may not only be by build-up of active chemicals in prey items, but also by indiscriminately destroying most of the hedgehog’s natural food. Metaldehyde and aluminium sulphate are the most common active ingredients; metaldehyde soon breaks down into compounds such as water, so it is difficult to attribute symptoms directly to these sorts of pesticides. Anecdotally, hedgehogs suffering from slug pellet poisoning show symptoms of disorientation, drunkenness, and dehydration, sometimes seen wandering aimlessly in the open during the day. Hedgehog rescue centres may be able to treat these casualties. Bonfires can sometimes conceal a sleeping hedgehog, so check underneath before igniting. Litter is also dangerous to hedgehogs, whose spines can become entangled in plastic rings that hold cans together, or become wedged in yoghurt pots or empty tins. Dispose of litter carefully and squash all your tin cans before recycling them [15]. Notwithstanding all these hazards, the biggest threat to hedgehogs is habitat loss. Over the last 30 years, agriculture has favoured large fields and the habitats of the hedgehog, particularly hedges, have been removed.

Agricultural pesticide usage also puts further pressure on hedgehog populations. With more hedgehog-friendly gardens however, the mammal’s future should be fairly secure [17]. Anecdotes and quirky facts A little understood behaviour is ‘self-anointing’, when an individual covers itself in saliva, frothed up into a lather. This seems to be triggered on encountering certain, often tart or acidic, tastes or smells. The trigger object is repeatedly licked to build up a lather, then the hedgehog covers its coat with the froth. There is a broad list of items recorded as triggering self-anointing, including leather, nylon stockings, furniture polish, cigars, distilled water, leaves, and a toad [14]. The reason for the behaviour is unknown; some suggestions are that it relieves irritation from parasites, helps broadcast the individual’s scent, offers an additional chemical defence, or is some sort of display [6]. The behaviour has been seen mostly in captive hedgehogs, though is suspected to happen, just unobserved, in the wild.

Most hedgehogs seem not to self-anoint (studies of captive hedgehogs suggest no more than 10-11%), though it has been seen in both sexes, sub-adults, and still-blind nestlings [6]. Self-anointing is strongly associated with stimulation of the Jacobson’s olfactory organ (which is the organ stimulated in cats when they purr), but this is about all that is known. Introduced hedgehogs have become implicated as a serious pest in the Western Isles of Scotland, where they are suspected of eating the eggs of ground-nesting waders such as Snipe, Dunlin, Redshank and Lapwing. A programme of attempted eradication was carried out, on the basis that hedgehog translocation would not be successful and would cause undue suffering to translocated animals. Scientific studies demonstrated that this was unfounded, and the eradication programme was stopped [18]. This case is described in more detail in A prickly affair: my life with hedgehogs by Hugh Warwick (2008).

The research paper is downloadable from: H Warwick, P Morris & D Walker (2006) Survival and weight changes of hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) translocated from the Hebrides to Mainland Scotland Lutra 49 (2) 89-102 The hedgehog is also considered a pest in New Zealand where it preys upon the native giant snails (Powelliphanta), weta and various other native invertebrates [1]. Rare albino and blond hedgehogs are known. Blond hedgehogs have a recessive gene, which gives rise to beady, button-black eyes and creamy-coloured spines; they are not strictly speaking albino. They are extremely uncommon except on the Channel Island of Alderney where they are nicknamed “Alderney Spike Girls”. Approximately 1000 blond hedgehogs are thought to exist there, making up ~10-15% of the Alderney population. They allegedly carry no fleas, and are a localised island variant of Erinaceus europaeus [1]. Local studies Most records of hedgehogs in Devon have come from incidental reports to the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre.

Devon Wildlife Trust included the hedgehog in its garden wildlife survey in 2006-8; otherwise there have been few systematic targeted surveys in the county. The survival of rehabilitated and translocated hedgehogs from rescue centres was studied on sites across the mid-Devon and Somerset border in the early 1990s. This is described in more detail in A prickly affair: my life with hedgehogs by Hugh Warwick (2008). In Ogwell, near Newton Abbot, is Prickly Ball Farm hedgehog hospital, which has been developed into a visitor centre for British wildlife, following work as a hedgehog rescue centre. The original owners have since joined Animals in Distress, a wildlife rescue charity with a local base across the Newton Abbot and Torbay area, which continues to carry out hedgehog rescue work. Field signs and sending in records Hedgehogs are thought to be under-recorded and, due to concerns about a possible decline, all new hedgehog records are welcomed by Devon Biodiversity Records Centre. Records can be validated on the basis of: Sightings Hedgehogs are not likely to be confused with other mammal species. Records from garden sightings and road casualties are of value.

Droppings Hedgehog droppings are irregularly cylindrical, approximately 25mm long x 7-8 mm wide, black-grey, dry and often shiny and bumpy with the packed indigestible chitinous remains of insects (legs, exoskeletons, beetle wing cases) and worm bristles protruding. There is no apparent pattern to where droppings are deposited, though they are more likely to be found in open areas such as lawns, not too far from cover, along the routes where hedgehogs forage. FootprintsForefeet are ~2.5cm long, with four toes in a row and one toe set slightly further back; the hind feet are quite different, narrower and longer (~3-4cm), with three toes in a row and two set a little further back. This means that two different tracks are produced by the fore and hind feet. Unambiguous tracks are not very frequently seen and unless very clear, other evidence should be sought to corroborate presence.

Illustration of hedgehog prints and droppings on Young Peoples Trust for the Environment (YPTE) website: Illustration of hedgehog dropping and footprints by Andrew Mackay Nests If you find a nest try not to disturb it. Disturbing a breeding nest may result in the mother abandoning the nestlings. Nests typically comprise a dense compact dome of leaves 30-60cm in diameter, often braced under some overhanging springy vegetation. In gardens, nests may be situated under sheds, branches, logpiles, at the foot of the hedge or among piles of leaves. References, bibliography and links European Hedgehog | World Land Trust Species Range (IUCN) Description Erinaceus europaeus is the Western European hedgehog. Hedgehogs grow up to 30 centimetres long (1) and many people do not realise that they also have a tail, which is around 5cm (2). Every hedgehog has around 7,000 spines, each 2-3cm long and covering most of the hedgehogs body except the underneath (3).

These characteristic spines are not poisonous or barbed, but are actually thick, hollow hairs which serve as a defence when the hedgehog rolls into a tight ball. Behaviour The average weight is around 400 grams, however in the autumn this can increase up to 2 kilograms (4). This is because hedgehogs have to build up sufficient fat reserves to enable them to hibernate through the cold winter months, when their food is less abundant. Hedgehogs usually hibernate from around November and wake again in March or April (5). Although, this can change depending on the age and weight of the individual hedgehog. Weather also affects hibernation length and in fact, they can wake up several times during the hibernation period (5). Hedgehogs are nocturnal. They can travel up to 2 km each night while foraging for food.(6). Hedgehogs are omnivores and also opportunistic hunters, they feed on a wide variety of insects such as beetles and caterpillars and also earthworms, snails, slugs and berries. WLT's Kites Hill Reserve is the perfect habitat for European Hedgehogs Habitat The Western European hedgehog is found throughout Europe.

It lives in a variety of habitats, including woodlands and grasslands but also frequently in man-made habitats from orchards, vineyards and farmland, to parks and gardens (7). Threats and Conservation Hedgehogs are prey for foxes and badgers, who use their long claws to uncurl the hedgehog from their defensive ball (8). Human dangers, however, are unfortunately the largest cause of concern for hedgehogs, with hazards such as falling in ponds or down drains, being poisoned by pesticides or being hit by a car. Hedgehogs are on Appendix III of the Bern Convention (7) (the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats). The British Hedgehog Preservation Society believes that, in fact, habitat loss is the biggest threat to our native hedgehogs. This makes the World Land Trust UK reserve, Kites Hill, a hedgehog heaven with plenty of natural food, woodpiles for hibernation and no use of pesticides or other chemicals. Learn more about Hedgehogs ADW: Erinaceus europaeus: INFORMATION References Geographic Range Erinaceus europaeus (European hedgehog) is commonly found across Europe and into central Asia.

Native to this region, it can be found from the Archipelago of the Azores and as far east as Khazakstan. It is commonly seen in northern Europe, as far as Scandinavia. While it is generally not found south of the Mediterranean Sea, it has been seen in Lebanon. Erinaceus europaeus is also found in New Zealand, where they were introduced in the late 1800s. ( Bogdanov, et al., 2009 ; Brockie, 1959 ; Mathias, et al., 1998 ; "Division of Mammals Collections: Search "Erinaceus europaeus"", 2011 ) Biogeographic Regions 0.00 to 7874.02 ft Physical Description The European hedgehog is a small, round animal with short legs that raise it about 1 inch above the ground. It is plantigrade and has 5 well developed pads and claws on each foot. The first and fifth toes are smaller and weaker than the second, third, and fourth toes.

Its coat is white and brown and consists of 3/4 to 1 inch spines, arranged in a radiating pattern, that cover all but its cheeks, throat, stomach, and limbs. Areas not covered in spines are covered in a coarse hair that is yellow-brown in color, though white hedgehogs have been seen. It has an elongated, conical head and snout, a small braincase, a short neck and tail, and well developed eyes and ears. The length of its body ranges from 135 to 265 mm, and males are usually slightly larger than females. The tail is about 20 mm long. ( Burton, 1969 ; Forrest, 1899 ; Gordon, 1904 ; Johnston, 1903 ; Kindahl, 1959 ; Lawrence and Brown, 1973 ; Rondinini, 2007 ; Southern, 1964 ; Step, 1921 ; Walker, 1968 ) The spines covering the European hedgehog's body have white tips and bases and are covered with alternating brown and black bands.

They are hollow and have longitudinal grooves, which decrease their weight. Spines are made of keratin and are attached to the skin in a similar way to hair . Each spine grows from a follicle in the skin that is attached to a small muscle ( arrector pili ) that is used for piloerection. When a hedgehog rolls into a ball, all of the spines can be erected simultaneously, which is made possible by the panniculus carnosis, a sheet of muscle that covers its back. An adult hedgehog usually has around 5,000 spines covering its body. ( Burton, 1969 ; Forrest, 1899 ; Gordon, 1904 ; Johnston, 1903 ; Kindahl, 1959 ; Lawrence and Brown, 1973 ; Rondinini, 2007 ; Southern, 1964 ; Step, 1921 ; Walker, 1968 ) Erinaceus europaeus has lacteal and permanent teeth. The permanent dentition features widely space upper incisors such that the lower incisors fit between them. The dental formula for E.

europaeus is 3/2, 1/1, 2/3, 3/3. ( Burton, 1969 ; Forrest, 1899 ; Gordon, 1904 ; Johnston, 1903 ; Kindahl, 1959 ; Lawrence and Brown, 1973 ; Rondinini, 2007 ; Southern, 1964 ; Step, 1921 ; Walker, 1968 ) Other Physical Features AnAge Reproduction European hedgehogs are solitary and non-territorial. They begin the mating process when a male encounters a female, at which time the male encircles the female while she lowers her head and makes a variety snorts, grunts, and hisses. If the male is successful in courting the female, he attempts to mount her several times. After numerous copulations, the male leaves the female, and does not provide any parental care to his offspring. He continues to roam alone and attempts to mate with other females until he begins preparing for hibernation. Males and females have multiple mates each season.

( Burton, 1969 ; Hof and Bright, 2010 ; Rondinini, 2007 ; Southern, 1964 ; Walker, 1968 ) Mating System polygynandrous (promiscuous) Erinaceus europaeus begins mating in late spring (April or May) when the the animal emerges from hibernation. Males, which emerge 3 to 4 weeks before females, expand their home range during mating season to increase chances of finding a mate. When a male finds a mate, he circles her while she lowers her nose and becomes audibly defensive. The male may circle for several hours, making several attempts to mount. If the female continually rejects the male, he eventually leaves to find a receptive female. If she accepts him, she flattens her spines and lowers herself to the ground, which gives the male better access. To copulate, a male climbs onto a female's back and uses his teeth to hold onto her shoulder. Gestation last for about 35 days. Females give birth to four to six offspring per litter, and often have two litters per year.

The second litter, which is born later in the year, has a reduced chance of surviving winter. New borns are about 3 inches long and weigh 0.3 to 0.9 oz. At birth, E. europaeus does not appear to have spines, which are concealed beneath their fluid filled skin. 24 hours after birth, the fluid is absorbed and the spines are revealed, and, 2 to 3 days later, the young’s musculature is developed enough to allow it to hold the spines erect. These white adolescent spines are replaced by darker spines after about 1.5 days. Pigmented adult spines replace the first two coats after about 2 to 3 weeks, at which time young begin to open their eyes and learn how to roll into a ball. Young are weaned by 4 to 6 weeks old, after which they become independent of parental care, and are able to mate by about 1 year.

( Bunnell, 2009 ; Burton, 1969 ; Johnston, 1903 ; Rondinini, 2007 ; Southern, 1964 ; de Magalhaes and Costa, 2009 ) Key Reproductive Features 10 (high) years Behavior Erinaceus europaeus is nocturnal, predominantly solitary, and non-territorial. It meets intentionally with others only during the mating season, but a social hierarchy may exist such that mature females have dominance over prime feeding sites. Hedgehogs have relatively large home ranges that are difficult to defend, and as such, they roam freely during the night. They tend to rest during the day in shallow nests made of twigs, leaves, grass, pine needles, and other foliage. Each nest is utilized by more than one individual, but never at the same time, and hedgehogs may also share urine sites. Aggressive interactions have not been observed between individuals.

( Burton, 1969 ; Forrest, 1899 ; Jones and Digger, 2009 ; Rondinini, 2007 ; Southern, 1964 ; Walker, 1968 ) Erinaceus europaeus travels at an average speed of 110 to 220 yards per hour. They are successful swimmers and climbers and are able to squeeze through tight spaces. When threatened, hedgehogs curl into a ball, exposing their sharp spines while protecting their vulnerable underbelly and face. However, hedgehogs prefer to avoid contact with predators by living in areas devoid of predator odors despite an increase in hedgehog population density. ( Burton, 1969 ; Forrest, 1899 ; Jones and Digger, 2009 ; Rondinini, 2007 ; Southern, 1964 ; Walker, 1968 ) As day length decreases, European hedgehog begin looking for sufficiently insulated hibernation nests.

In colder areas, hibernation usually begins in October and lasts until April; in warmer areas, hedgehogs may only hibernate during the coldest of winters. Hedgehogs survive the cold temperatures by storing fat to be used as insulation and as an energy reserve to wake up when necessary. These periodic breaks in hibernation occur every 1 to 2 weeks and last for 1 to 2 days, during which hedgehogs forage for food and urinate. Provided sufficient resources, captive hedgehogs do not hibernate. Key Behaviors 0.1214 km^2 Home Range European hedgehogs require large foraging areas (often no more than 100 acres) due to inconsistent and unreliable distribution of food. When food is more abundant, such as in home gardens or other agroecosystems, European hedgehogs may have a home range as small as 12 to 25 acres. Males generally have home ranges up to twice the size the female’s home range.

( Jones and Digger, 2009 ; Rondinini, 2007 ) Communication and Perception European hedgehogs are not particularly noisy, and make mostly grunting, snorting, and hoarse squeaking sounds. Adults are vocal during mating, while feeding, and occasionally when captured. Young may squeak and whistle while in the nest. Due to its nocturnal behavior, European hedgehogs rely heavily on their senses of smell and hearing. In addition to having a well developed sense of smell, they, like many mammals, have a Jacobson's organ in their palate. The organ may have a role in social behavior as both male and female hedgehogs have a variety of scent glands. While the mechanisms of hearing in E. europaeus have not been well studied, research on a related species, the Long-eared hedgehog , has found it capable of processing high-frequency sounds up to 45kHz.

( Burton, 1969 ; Forrest, 1899 ; Johnston, 1903 ; Rondinini, 2007 ; Southern, 1964 ; Step, 1921 ) Communication Channels fruit Predation Predators of the Erinaceus europaeus include dogs, foxes , snakes, large owls , and badgers . To protect themselves, hedgehogs have the ability to curl into a defensive ball that exposes only erected spines. In order to form into a ball, they constriction the panniculus carnosus muscle. When this occurs, the muscles associated with each spine contract, leaving all of the hedgehog’s spines erect. Some predators, such as badgers and foxes , may be able to gain access to the hedgehog by wedging their noses into the crease where the top and bottom of the spiny coat meet. Predators have also been known to drop a balled hedgehog from a height so as to shock or injure the hedgehog long enough for them to take advantage of its exposed underbelly.

( Hof and Bright, 2010 ; Johnston, 1903 ; Rondinini, 2007 ; Vermeulen, et al., 2009 ) Known Predators Archeopsylla erinacei Economic Importance for Humans: Positive Hedgehogs are routinely kept as pets, but the European hedgehog is forbidden as a pet in Europe. Due to their broad diet, hedgehogs may help control insect pests. They have proven useful for the study of numerous diseases including foot and mouth disease, yellow fever, and influenza. Their hair and spines are useful in assessing for environmental pollutants including arsenic, silver, cadmium, lead, cobalt, and Persistant Organic Pollutants (POPs). Traditional remedies have incorporated the blood, entrails, or ashes of European hedgehogs, and some rituals involving hedgehogs have been used to cure baldness and predict the weather. Ancient Romans raised hedgehogs for their meat, and they used parts of the hedgehog, especially their spiny coat, for training work animals.

( Burton, 1969 ; D'Havé, et al., 2005 ; D'Havé, et al., 2006 ; Hof and Bright, 2010 ; Southern, 1964 ; Vermeulen, et al., 2009 ) Positive Impacts young are relatively well-developed when born References National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution. 2011. "Division of Mammals Collections: Search "Erinaceus europaeus"" (On-line). Accessed April 03, 2011 at . Armori, G., R. Hutterer, B. Kryštufek, N. Yigit, G. Mitsain, L. Palomo. 2008. "Erinaceus europaeus" (On-line). IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Version 2010.4.. Accessed March 19, 2011 at . Beilby, R. 1791. A general history of quadrupeds: The figures engraved on wood By T. Bewick..

Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: S. Hodgson, R. Beilby, & T. Bewick. Accessed March 14, 2011 at . Bogdanov, A., A. Bannikova, Y. Pirusskii, N. Formozov. 2009. The first genetic evidence of hybridization between West European and Northern white-breasted hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus and E. roumanicus) in Moscow region. Biology Bulletin, 36/6: 647-651. Accessed March 18, 2011 at . Brockie, R. 1959. Observations of the food of the hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus L.) in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Science, 2: 121-136. Bunnell, T. 2009. Growth rate in early and late litters of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). Lutra, 52/1: 15-22. Burton, M.

1969. The Hedgehog. Worchester and London: Andre Deutch Limited. Covaci, A., R. Verhagen. 2007. Non-destructive pollution exposure assessment in the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus): IV. Hair versus soil analysis in exposure and risk assessment of organochlorine compounds. Environmental Pollution, 145/3: 861-868. Accessed March 14, 2011 at 4K717WH-1/2/edecd3e3378753bdf6ce7af428123e83 . D'Havé, H., J. Scheirs, V. Kayawe Mubiana, R. Verhagen, R. Blust, W. De Coen. 2006. Non-destructive pollution exposure assessment in the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus): II. Hair and spines as indicators of endogenous metal and As concentrations. Environmental Pollution, 142/3: 438-448.

Accessed March 21, 2011 at . D'Havé, H., J. Scheirs, R. Verhagen, V. Mubianaa, W. De Coen. 2005. Nondestructive pollution exposure assessment in the european hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus): I. Relationships between concentrations of metals and arsenic in hair, spines, and soil. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24/9: 2356-2364. Accessed March 14, 2011 at . Forrest, E. 1899. The fauna of Shropshire: being an account of all the mammals, birds, reptiles & fishes found in the county of Salop. With an introduction dealing with the physical features of the county, a copious index, a chapter on the principal naturalists who have done work in connection with the subject, and a short account of the Wild birds protection acts.. Shrewsbury, UK: L. Wilding, Castle Street. Accessed March 14, 2011 at . Gaglio, G., S. Allen, L.

Bowden, M. Bryant, E. Morgan. 2009. Parasites of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in Britain: epidemiological study and coprological test evaluation. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 56/6: 839-844. Accessed March 14, 2011 at . Gordon, W. 1904. Our country's animals and how to know them: A guide to the mammals, reptiles and amphibians of Great Britain. London, UK: Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent. Accessed March 14, 2011 at . Hof, A., P. Bright. 2010. The value of agri-environment schemes for macro-invertebrate feeders: hedgehogs on arable farms in Britain. Animal Conservation, 13/5: 467–473. Accessed March 14, 2011 at . Johnston, H. 1903. British Mammals. London, UK: Hutchinson & Co.. Jones, C., K. Moss, M. Sanders.

2005. Diet of hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in the upper Waitaki Basin, New Zealand: Implications for conservation. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 29/1: 29-35. Accessed April 03, 2011 at . Jones, C., J. Digger. 2009. A first record of latrine use by European hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758). Mammalia, 73/2: 145-147. Accessed March 14, 2011 at . Kindahl, M. 1959. The Tooth Development in Erinaceus Europaeus. Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 17/4: 467-489. Accessed March 14, 2011 at . Lawrence, M., R. Brown. 1973. Mammals of Britain: Tracks, Signs and Trails. London: Blanford Press. Mathias, M., M. Ramalhinho, M.

Santos-Reis, F. Petrucci-Fonseca, R. Libios, R. Fons, G. Ferraz de Carvalho, M. Oom, M. Collares-Pereira. 1998. Mammals from the Azores islands (Portugal): An updated overview.. Mammalia, 62: 397-407. Rondinini, C. 2007. Hedgehogs and moonrats. D Macdonald, ed. The Encyclopedia of Mammals, Oxford Reference Online Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Accessed April 03, 2011 at . Southern, H. 1964. Handbook of British Mammals. Oxford: Blackwell Scientific Publications. Step, E. 1921. Animal life of the British Isles: A pocket guide to the mammals, reptiles and batrachians of wayside and woodland. London, UK: Frederick Warne. Accessed March 14, 2011 at . Verhagen, R., R. Blust. 2005.

Nondestructive pollution exposure assessment in the european hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus): I. Relationships between concentrations of metals and arsenic in hair, spines, and soil. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24/9: 2356-2364. Accessed March 14, 2011 at . Vermeulen, F., N. Van den Brink, H. D'Havé, V. Mubiana, R. Blust, L. Bervoets, W. De Coen. 2009. Habitat type-based bioaccumulation and risk assessment of metal and As contamination in earthworms, beetles and woodlice. Environmental Pollution, 157: 3098-3105. Accessed March 14, 2011 at . Walker, E. 1968. Mammals of the World. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press. de Magalhaes, J., J. Costa. 2009. A database of vertebrate longevity records and their relation to other life-history traits.

Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 22/8: 1770-1774. Accessed April 03, 2011 at .

Question: Which common British mammal has the scientific name Erinaceous Europaeus?
Answer: HEDGEHOG