Four-Toed Hedgehog
ExploreMammals
Four-Toed Hedgehog
atelerix albiventris
The Four-Toed Hedgehog is a small, spiky creature that loves to curl up into a ball when it's scared! They are nocturnal animals, which means they come out to play at night when most other animals are asleep.
Habitat: Grasslands and scrublands in Africa.
Appearance
The Four-Toed Hedgehog has a pale brown to grey coat of short, non-barbed spines covering its back, with a contrasting white belly. It possesses a pointed snout, prominent ears, and short legs, typically with four toes on its hind feet.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderErinaceomorphaFamilyErinaceidaeGenusAtelerix
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
During tough times, they can go into a deep sleep called hibernation for months.
Hedgehogs make many different noises, from snorts and grunts to loud squeals!
Hoglets, baby hedgehogs, are born blind, pink, and with soft, white "starter" spines.
They are called "four-toed" because their back feet usually have only four toes!
Special abilities
Ability
Spiny Defender
Four-Toed Hedgehog can curl into a tight, spiny ball because of powerful back muscles, protecting itself from predators.
Ability
Self-Anointing
Four-Toed Hedgehog has a unique habit of spreading foamy saliva onto its quills, which helps them acquire new scents for camouflage.
Ability
Venom Resistance
Four-Toed Hedgehog can resist some snake and scorpion venoms because of specialized proteins in its body.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 15-25 cm
- Weight
- 0.3-0.6 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-6 years
- Top Speed
- 10 km/h
- Litter Size
- 2-6
- Gestation
- 30-40 days
Diet & Feeding
These spiny foragers enjoy a mixed menu of insects, worms, and even some fruits!
Primary Foods
- insects
- worms
- slugs
- snails
- small vertebrates
- fruit
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Spotted Eagle-Owl
Bubo africanus
A common nocturnal predator in their habitat.
eaten by
Side-striped Jackal
Canis adustus
Jackals are opportunistic hunters in their range.
eats
Mealworm beetle
Tenebrio molitor
Hedgehogs feast on various insects and their larvae.
eats
Giant African Land Snail
Achatina fulica
Snails are a common part of their varied diet.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
African HedgehogWhite-Bellied Hedgehog
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Four-Toed Hedgehog?
15-25 cm
How much does Four-Toed Hedgehog weigh?
0.3-0.6 kg
How long does Four-Toed Hedgehog live?
3-6 years
How fast can Four-Toed Hedgehog move?
10 km/h
What does Four-Toed Hedgehog eat?
These spiny foragers enjoy a mixed menu of insects, worms, and even some fruits!
Where is Four-Toed Hedgehog usually found?
Grasslands and scrublands in Africa.
How does Four-Toed Hedgehog hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does Four-Toed Hedgehog usually have?
2-6
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Zoo30 sightings21 species
Louisiana, US
Alexandria Zoological Park
You might spot Linnaeus's Two-Toed Sloth and Corn Snake.
View guide →
Zoo20 sightings13 species
California, US
Los Angeles Zoo
You might spot Four-Toed Hedgehog, Military Macaw, and Green Tree Python.
View guide →
Zoo12 sightings9 species
California, US
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
You might spot Red Fox, Gray Wolf, and Duck.
View guide →
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