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Presentation
The North African hedgehog is a small insectivorous mammal identifiable by the spines covering its body. These spines, modified from hair, provide effective protection against predators. It is a nocturnal and solitary animal, active primarily at dusk and during the night.
The body of the North African hedgehog is compact and sturdy, covered with 5,000 to 7,000 spines. Its snout is pointed and elongated, with small black eyes. Its legs are short but robust, ending in claws adapted for digging. The underside of the body is less spiny than the back.
Characteristics
Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.
Habitat and distribution
The North African hedgehog primarily inhabits semi-arid steppes, cultivated areas, grasslands, and peri-urban spaces. It adapts well to human-modified environments and readily frequents farms, gardens, and even urban areas. It prefers terrain with loose soil where it can dig burrows.
CURRENT RANGE
The North African hedgehog is native to North Africa, particularly the Maghreb. Its range extends across northern Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. It has also been introduced to some regions of southern Spain and Portugal, where it has become established.
Behaviour
The North African hedgehog is a crepuscular and nocturnal animal that rests during the day in burrows or hiding spots. It is solitary except during the breeding season. When threatened, it curls into a tight ball, exposing only its spines. It hibernates or significantly reduces its activity during harsh winters.
Reproduction
The breeding season of the North African hedgehog typically extends from spring to summer. Gestation lasts approximately 35 days. Females give birth to a litter of 4 to 8 young, called 'hoglets'. Young are born naked and covered with thin skin; their spines begin to emerge within the first days of life.
Peculiarities
The North African hedgehog possesses the remarkable ability to curl into such a tight ball that no predator can bite it. Its spines are covered with a foul-smelling secretion that reinforces its defense. It uses its sensitive whiskers to navigate and explore its environment. Its developed sense of smell allows it to detect prey beneath the soil.
Threats and conservation
The species is classified as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN. However, it faces threats from pesticide use, which reduces its food resources, habitat fragmentation, and road accidents. It is also vulnerable to parasitic diseases. Overall, its populations remain stable within its natural range.
Numbers and trends vary across sources and regions. See the IUCN assessment for the latest reference data.
Gallery
1 documented photographs.
References
UICN — Liste rouge des espèces menacées
Profile updated 08 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least concern (LC)
IUCN source, latest published assessment.
Similar animals
Other species documented in Animalpedia.