HEDGEHOG

any of 14 species of Old World mammals composing the family Erinaceidae, order Insectivora. There are two kinds: the gymnure (q.v.), or hairy hedgehog, and the spiny hedgehog. All members of the family are omnivorous but prefer animal food. Head and body length ranges from 10 to 44 centimetres (4 to 17 inches). The spiny hedgehogs (subfamily Erinaceinae) are of middling size and have short, barbless spines on the back, a round body, small head, pointed face, and little or no tail. They are typified by the 25-cm common hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) of Britain and Morocco to Manchuria (introduced in New Zealand). Its young-usually four-are blind and soft spined at birth. This species hibernates in a nest of dry leaves. In defense it rolls into a ball, and it is remarkably resistant to various poisons. It has the habit of anointing its spines with saliva after licking various substances. Found from northern Africa into Asia are the three desert hedgehogs (genus Paraechinus) and the two long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus). For Madagascar hedgehog, see tenrec. The term hedgehog is sometimes used for the porcupine (q.v.).