Saturday, 04 February 2012
Hedgehog
Scientific Name:
Erinaceus europaeus
Weight:
Up to 2kg
Lifespan:
The hedgehog may live for up to 5 years.
Also Known As:
Urchin, hedgepig Description
Yellow-tipped 2cm spines on it's grey/brown back and sides are perhaps the best known features of the hedgehog, which has relatively long legs and and short tail, together with small eyes and ears. The hedgehog is generally nocturnal.
Distribution
This insectivorous animal is well established throughout the British Isles.
Habitat
Hedgehogs, as the name suggests, may live in the undergrowth of hedges, in gardens, woodland edges and rough pasture. Winter hibernation begins in October when they may dig a small hole and cover themselves with leaves and moss to survive the winter, emerging once more in April.
Status
There appears to be some decline in the general hedgehog population throughout the British Isles - many are killed by vehicles every year, some die from chemical poisoning and others fail to live through a cold winter.
Did You Know?
Natural enemies of the hedgehog are foxes and badgers. However, the hedgehog will seek out and kill adders - the hedgehog, which is immune to the adder venom, bites the adder and then rolls into a ball. The adder repeatedly attacks the hedgehog until it's venom has become exhausted, at which time the hedgehog unrolls and kills the adder for food.
Footprint Description
5 digital pads on both fore and hind feet.3 fused interdigital pads, and 2 unequal proximal (heel) pads.Claws very distinct and visible in tracks. Hand outline common where tracks are visible.
Footprint Size
Hind foot - 4.5x2.5cm, fore foot - 4x2.5cm. Stride around 15cm.
Droppings Images
Droppings Description
Hedgehog droppings are usually almost black,and have a "muddy" appearance due to the amount of earthworms in their normal diet.They are between 1.5-5cm in length, cylindrical with a normal diameter of around 1cm or so. The odour varies - hedgehogs with a mainly natural diet of worms, slugs etc leave droppings with a slightly musty, soil like smell. Those which have been fed catfood etc in gardens often leave droppings which are more potent.