Long-eared Hedgehog

Long-eared hedgehog

Hemiechinus auritus

Shirvan National Park

A species of animal belonging to the family of Hedgehogs of the order of Insectivores of the class of Mammals. It is widespread in Azerbaijan, mainly in dry steppes, semi-deserts and plains, especially in the Caspian regions, in the Kura-Araz lowland and in dry foothill landscapes.

They differ from ordinary hedgehogs in size. The length of their ears is up to 5 cm, only the lumbar region is covered with spines.
The body length is 12-27 cm, the tail is 17-23 mm. The mass of males can be up to 430 g, and females - 200-505 g. Their legs are high. The spines are thin and short. Their length reaches 17-19 mm.
The basis of their diet is insects. In case of danger, they curl up into a ball. It gives birth 1-2 times a year, with 3-8 naked cubs born.