A charming, spiky little mammal known for its oversized ears, which not only give it an adorable appearance but also help it survive in hot, dry environments. Found across parts of Central Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, this hedgehog is perfectly adapted to desert and semi-desert conditions. Its large ears act like natural cooling systems, helping the hedgehog release body heat during warm nights. Unlike its more commonly known European cousin, the long-eared hedgehog has a lighter build, a pointier face, and a more active, fast-moving personality, making it a nimble desert explorer.

Its body is covered in sharp, protective spines on top and soft fur on its underside. The coloration usually ranges from pale brown to gray, blending well with sandy or rocky environments. The most striking feature, of course, is its long ears, which can be almost half the length of its head. These ears are not just for hearing — they also help regulate temperature by allowing excess heat to escape, a vital adaptation in harsh climates.

The long-eared hedgehog is nocturnal, meaning it comes out at night to hunt and explore. It is an insectivore, feeding mainly on insects, spiders, worms, and small vertebrates, though it will also eat some plants and fruit if available. It uses its sharp sense of smell and hearing to track prey in the dark and can dig quickly with its strong claws to uncover insects hiding under the soil. Unlike some other hedgehogs that rely mainly on curling into a ball for defense, this one is also a fast runner, often choosing to escape predators by darting away rather than staying still.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Afghanistan

2016

Armenia

2016

Presence Uncertain

Azerbaijan

2016

Presence Uncertain

China

2016

Cyprus

2016

Egypt

2016

Georgia

2016

Presence Uncertain

Iran

2016

Iraq

2016

Israel

2016

Kazakhstan

2016

Presence Uncertain

Kyrgyzstan

2016

Lebanon

2016

Libya

2016

Mongolia

2016

Pakistan

2016

Syria

2016

Tajikistan

2016

Turkmenistan

2016

Turkey

2016

Ukraine

2016

Uzbekistan

2016