Paraechinus

A fascinating group of hedgehogs found across North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South Asia, and they’re quite different from the classic European hedgehog that most people picture. These hedgehogs are built for life in dry deserts, scrublands, and rocky regions, making them hardy little survivors of harsh environments. Their bodies are small and round, covered in protective spines, but unlike their woodland cousins, Paraechinus species often have larger ears, lighter coats, and slimmer builds, helping them cope with heat and conserve energy.

One of the things that makes Paraechinus hedgehogs stand out is their adaptability. While most hedgehogs prefer temperate forests or gardens, these desert species are true nomads of arid lands. They spend the hot daytime hours hiding in burrows or under rocks, only coming out at night to hunt. Their diet is omnivorous but insect-heavy, featuring beetles, grasshoppers, worms, small reptiles, and some plant material like fruits and roots. This makes them important desert pest-controllers. Unlike European hedgehogs that curl up tightly in lush gardens, Paraechinus species often rely on curling up and camouflage to avoid predators like owls, foxes, and snakes.

Some species, like the Indian hedgehog, have striking facial markings that almost resemble a tiny bandit’s mask. Because they live in such extreme conditions, they can also go into torpor or short-term hibernation when food or water is scarce, slowing down their metabolism until conditions improve. And while they may look tough, Paraechinus hedgehogs are surprisingly delicate in captivity—they thrive best in the wild, where their natural rhythms of hiding by day and hunting by night keep them in balance with their environment.