Typical hedgehog form with rather large ears, though not as proportionately large as in the Long-eared Hedgehog. Upper parts covered in spines up to 2.7cm long. Dorsal spines dark, tipped with pale brown. This gives a very dark impression of the back when seen from above, much darker than the Long-eared Hedgehog. Frontal spines divided by a bare patch or parting, extending some 3cm back, but not a field feature. Spines along flank shorter and pale tipped. Underparts white with dark patches, rather variable. Head with rather pointed snout, but not as pointed as Long-eared Hedgehog. Face bicolored or all dark. Snout, chin, and throat dark brown. Forehead to just above eye and down sides pale. Ears large, broad-based, and extending beyond spines. Legs dark brown. Tail short.

This species is widely distributed in the Sahara and the Middle East. In Africa, it is distributed from Mauritania, Western Sahara and Morocco in the west, to Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia in the east. In the Middle East, it has been recorded from Syria, Israel, Jordan, Iraq and marginally in Iran, and from most of the Arabian Peninsula. Insular populations occur on Djerba (Tunisia), Bahrain and Tanb (Persian Gulf). It is also thought to occur on Gran Canaria, Canary Islands through introduction (although it may also have been mistaken for Aletrix algirus) (Stone 1996).

This species is found widely throughout much of northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Its range extends all over the Sahara from Morocco to Egypt to Syria and Iraq.

Biogeographic Regions: ethiopian (Native )

49 records. Latest in 2003 (Abu Ghuson).

Narrow (southern Eastern desert, southern Sinai, Siwa Oasis). AOO=138.6 km². EOO=473657.4 km². 9 locations.

Narrow (North Africa and the Sahel, Arabian peninsula).

Paraechinus aethiopicus carries an armament of dorsal spines from the base of its head to its rear, leaving the top of its head bald. These spines are hollow and pale brown with dark tips. The color of the ventral side and feet is a variable combination of brown, black, white, solid brown or solid white. The muzzle and mask are black with lighter bands on the forehead. Paraechinus aethiopicus is larger than the other species of hedghog that shares its region, Hemiechinus auritus, but quite similar otherwise.

Range mass: 400 to 700 g.

Range length: 140 to 230 mm.

Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry

Length 17–23 cm, weight 500 gm.

Exists in three widely separated populations which may be distinct ssp: pectoralis Heuglin in Sinai, aethiopicus Ehrenberg in the south-east, and deserti Loche along the Mediterranean coast.

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Terrestrial

Paraechinus aethiopicus is well adapted to arid, drought-like conditions. It lives in hot, dry deserts but can also be found in vegetated areas of an oasis or coast.

Terrestrial Biomes: desert or dune

As its common name suggests, the desert hedgehog inhabits desert, dry steppe, and other arid terrain. It may favour areas such as oases and vegetated wadis, where food is more readily available, and has also been recorded in gardens, cultivated areas and open woodland . In Egypt, the species has been reported to shelter in cliffs during the day.

This species is mainly insectivorous, but it eats a variety of foods when they are available. It is not, however, thought to eat plant matter. One other interesting note is that P. aethiopicus, like other hedgehogs, has a high tolerance for snake and insect venoms, estimated to be 30 to 40 times that of a similar sized rodent. This protects them while hunting venomous or stinging prey.

Prey include: insects, small invertebrates, the eggs of ground-nesting birds, frogs, snakes and scorpions.

Animal Foods: amphibians; reptiles; eggs; insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods

Primary Diet: carnivore (Insectivore )

The role that this species plays in its desert ecosystem is not well studied.

The spines of this species, and other hedgehogs, are the main tool for escaping predators. It tucks its head into its ventral region and effectively rolls into a ball. This exposes only its spines to a potential predator, making it difficult to eat.

Known Predators:

• eagles (Accipitridae)
• owls (Strigiformes)
• other birds of prey (Falconiformes)

Hemiechinus aethiopicus is prey of:
Strigiformes
Accipitridae
Falconiformes

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

Hemiechinus aethiopicus preys on:
Arthropoda
Insecta
Amphibia
Reptilia

This list may not be complete but is based on published studies.

The desert hedgehog is active at night. A solitary species, it forages on the ground for a range of insect and other invertebrate prey, as well as occasional small vertebrates, the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting birds, and even species such as scorpions. It has also been reported to occasionally take plant matter, including fruit. The desert hedgehog enters hibernation between January and February, when temperatures are cooler, and may also become less active during the hottest months and when food is scarce.

Breeding begins in March, after hibernation has ended. The female desert hedgehog gives birth to up to six young, in a burrow or concealed nest, after a gestation period of around 30 to 40 days. The young are born deaf and blind, and with the spines located just under the skin, to prevent damage to the female during birth. The spines emerge within a few hours, and the eyes open after around 21 days. The young desert hedgehogs are weaned after about 40 days. There is thought to be single litter each year.

Typically, the lifespan of a hedgehog in the wild is 3-4 years. In captivity they have been known to live as long as 10 years. The lifespan of this particular species, however, has not been documented.

Average lifespan

Status: captivity: 4.5 years.

Maximum longevity: 6.3 years (captivity) Observations: Anecdotal reports suggest that some animals may live up to 10 years. One captive specimen was estimated to be 6.3 years of age when it died (Richard Weigl 2005).

The reproductive pattern of this species is not well documented, but it is known that not all of the offspring of a litter survive to adolesence. Some die soon after birth, and it has been reported that females sometimes cannibalize their young, probably in times of food shortage.

Breeding season: May to June

Range number of offspring: 2 to 7.

Average gestation period: 30 to 40 days.

Average weaning age: 40 days.

Key Reproductive Features: gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (Internal )

Deaf and blind, a young P. aethiopicus is born fairly helpless. It is born with its spines for some protection; however, during the actual birth the spines remain under the skin, which no doubt makes labor easier on the mother. The young weigh about 8 or 9 grams at birth, and their eyes open in 23-29 days. After about 40 days they begin eating solid food (in addition to mother's milk).

Parental Investment: altricial ; female parental care

By all accounts, this species is not endangered and is, in fact, quite common in some parts of its range.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

Native, resident.

Least Concern.

Uncommon.

Population

Population Trend

Major Threats

Conservation Actions

There are no adverse effects of P. aethiopicus on humans.

Hedgehogs may help to control pest populations through their predation on insects and other invertebrates.

Positive Impacts: controls pest population