The Algerian Hedgehog or North African Hedgehog (Atelerix algirus) is a species of mammal in the Erinaceidae family. It is found in Algeria, France, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Spain, and Tunisia. Little is known about this species of hedgehog, even though the most common breed of domesticated hedgehogs is a result of crossing a Four-toed Hedgehog (atelerix albiventris) with an Algerian Hedgehog. Due to the fact that this species of hedgehog is native to Africa, it has been suggested that it was introduced by humans to the other countries where it is now found, including France, Spain, and the Canary Islands. Of the four African species of hedgehogs, the Algerian Hedgehog is the only one of these hedgehogs that can be found outside the continent of Africa. Due to the fact that the Algerian Hedgehog has such a wide habitat range and has a seemingly stable population, both in the wild and in the domesticated capacity, it does not appear to be at risk at this time.
North African Hedgehogs Physical description
The Algerian Hedgehog closely resembles the West European Hedgehog, however, there are several distinct differences between the two species. The Algerian Hedgehog tends to be smaller than its European counterpart, measuring anywhere from 200 to 250mm long. However, it is larger than the other African species of hedgehogs and has a longer snout and longer legs, making it a faster runner. Its face is light in color, usually appearing to be white, and the legs and head are brown. The underbelly of this animal can vary in color, and is often either brown or white in color. The ears on the Algerian Hedgehog are highly visible on the head of the animal and are large in size. The body is covered in soft spines that are primarily white with darker banding. The Algerian Hedgehog is most distinguishable from physically similar relatives by the lack of spines on the crown of the head, meaning a lack of the widow's peak.
The Algerian hedgehog is slightly smaller and usually lighter than its European cousin. the Algerian hedgehogs spikes are softer and can be almost comfortably held in your hand. Short of doing a full autopsy on its teeth, the best way of telling the two species apart is by the ears, which are far more prominent in the Algerian hedgehog and the lack of a widow's peak or "the spinefree 'parting' on the crown of the head". It also has a longer snout and longer legs, indicating that it walks more. Its other English name of vagrant hedgehog is presumably in reference to this.
North African Hedgehogs Habitat
Very little is actually known about the preferred habitat of the Algerian Hedgehog. It has been found in Mediterranean conifer and mixed forest climates as are present in southern mountainous regions of Spain and northern Africa. In northern Africa, it can be found from Morocco to Libya, but is not able to survive in dry desert regions around this area. It can be found in other warmer regions as well, including parts of France, the Canary Islands, and the Balearics. Within these regions, it can often be spotted in garden and park areas.
Atelerix algirus is endemic to the Mediterranean region, occurring across North Africa from Morocco to Libya, in Spain, and on a number of islands including the Canary Islands, Djerba, Malta, Majorca, Ibiza and Formentera. It was formerly introduced to France, but is now extinct there. Its occurrence in continental Europe and on many of the islands within its range may be the result of introductions by man (Lapini 1999). It typically occurs at altitudes of 0 to 400 m, although it can reach altitudes of 900 m in Morocco. The exact dates of introductions into many of the Mediterranean Islands are not known, but it is known that the species was introduced onto the Canary Islands in the 1890s.
A. algirus found in a range of habitats including semi-desert, dry Mediterranean scrub, grasslands, pastures, cultivated fields, and gardens, sometimes in close proximity to human habitation. It is most often found in arid areas, and forages at night for arthropods, small vertebrates, carrion, and fungi.
Algerian Hedgehogs Reproduction
The gestation period for this species of hedgehog ranges from 30 to 40 days and the litter size can vary between 3 to 10 hoglets. This species often produces two litters in a season. The hoglets generally weigh between 12 to 20 grams each. The season for reproduction in the Algerian hedgehog is from October to March. It reaches sexually maturity at about eight to ten weeks of age, and does not mate for life. That is, this hedgehog does not participate in pair bonding.
Mon Aug 20, 2012 5:54 pm
