Found across South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and parts of Angola, this hedgehog is instantly recognizable by its spiky coat, shy demeanor, and nocturnal habits. Despite its small size, it plays a big role in maintaining ecological balance, serving as both pest controller and prey species.

Its most striking feature is its coat of sharp, keratin-based spines—modified hairs that cover its back and sides, forming a natural suit of armor. These spines are usually brown or cream-colored with darker bands, while the face, underbelly, and limbs are covered in soft fur. Unlike porcupines, hedgehogs cannot shoot their spines; instead, they curl into a tight ball, tucking in their head, legs, and belly when threatened. In this defensive posture, only the spiny surface is exposed, making them nearly impossible for most predators to attack. Their small, pointed snouts, large eyes, and sensitive whiskers make them skilled foragers, able to detect food in darkness through smell and touch rather than sight.

The Southern African hedgehog is nocturnal, spending its nights exploring the ground in search of insects and other small prey. It’s an insectivore, with a diet that includes beetles, caterpillars, termites, earthworms, snails, and sometimes small vertebrates or fallen fruit. This makes it a valuable ally to farmers and gardeners, as it naturally helps control insect populations.

During the day, it hides in shallow burrows, under logs, or within dense grass to avoid predators and the heat of the sun. In colder or drier regions, it may enter a state of torpor or light hibernation, slowing its metabolism and sleeping for long periods until conditions improve. When active, it moves with a distinctive waddle, snuffling through leaf litter with its nose close to the ground. Despite their solitary nature, they can be surprisingly tolerant of other hedgehogs outside of breeding season, though they prefer to live and forage alone.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Angola

2016

Botswana

2016

Lesotho

2016

Presence Uncertain

Namibia

2016

South Africa

2016

Zimbabwe

2016