Home › Mammalia › Erinaceidae › Algerian Hedgehog (Erinaceus algirus)
SPECIES PROFILE
Algerian Hedgehog (Erinaceus algirus)
Atelerix
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Mammalia
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
North Africa, Iberia, Balearic/Canary Islands
DIET
Insectivorous/Omnivorous
HABITAT
Mediterranean scrub, gardens, pastures
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Mammalia
ORDER
Eulipotyphla
FAMILY
Erinaceidae
GENUS
Atelerix
📋 Description
SIZE
20-25 cm body, up to 650 g
COLORATION
Light face, brown legs/head, white/dark banded spines
ADAPTATIONS
Soft spines, no crown spines, agile runner
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Mediterranean scrub, gardens, pastures
DIET
Insectivorous/Omnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
North Africa, Iberia, Balearic/Canary Islands
REPRODUCTION
3-10 young after 30-40 days; up to 2 litters
DIET DETAILS
Insects, worms, snails, fruit
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Parasites, habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Algerian hedgehogs have noticeably softer spines and a much paler face than European species. Hoglets are born pink with soft white spines that harden within days. They are excellent climbers and regularly scale low walls in search of food.
2
They are the only hedgehog species on the Canary Islands and have adapted well to gardens and farmland.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Doñana National Park Spain
Gran Canaria Canary Islands
Atlas Mountains Morocco
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Night searches in scrub/gardens; lighter face and softer spines.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Oct-Mar (nocturnal)
