African Pygmy Hedgehog
Scientific Name: Atelerix albiventris
Habitat: savanna
Diet: mainly insects; also fruits, grasses, eggs, snakes
Life span: 6–10 years
Young: 4-6 young
Size: up to 2.2 kg (1 lb)
Look at all those spines! Hedgehogs are covered with up to 5,000 spines. Unlike a porcupine whose quills are loose and penetrate an attackers skin, a hedgehog’s spines stay firmly in place when attacked.
Hedgehogs are one of the few animals that can safely eat a poisonous scorpion.
Learn more about this species:
These are some other websites that we think have more great information about this species.
African pygmy hedgehog on Animal Diversity Web
For More Information
Edmonton Valley Zoo
13315 Buena Vista Road (87th Avenue)
PO Box 2359
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2R7
| attractions@edmonton.ca |
