A small, spiny mammal native to North Africa, with its range stretching across countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Interestingly, it’s also found in parts of southern Europe, including Spain and the Canary Islands, likely due to ancient human introductions. It has the classic hedgehog look — a rounded body covered in sharp spines, a pointed snout, and short legs — but it also has some features that make it stand out from other species.

One of the North African hedgehog’s most distinctive features is its larger size compared to other African hedgehogs. Its spines are short and sharp, usually banded in white and brown, while the fur on its face and belly is pale or whitish, giving it a clean, soft look. Unlike some other hedgehogs, its face is not completely covered in spines, which makes its expressive eyes and long whiskers more visible. Its ears are slightly more prominent, too, helping it detect sounds in its surroundings.

The North African hedgehog is nocturnal and solitary, spending its nights searching for food and its days resting in nests made of leaves or in sheltered spots like under rocks or bushes. It’s an omnivore, feeding on a mix of insects, worms, snails, fruit, and small vertebrates. It has a strong sense of smell and hearing, which it uses to locate food in the dark. It’s also a skilled digger, often burrowing to find insects or to escape the heat in dry environments. It can be found in a range of habitats, from Mediterranean scrubland to gardens, farmland, and even near cities.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Algeria

2016

Libya

2016

Malta

2016

Introduced

Morocco

2016

Spain

2016

Introduced

Tunisia

2016