20 facts about the Somali hedgehog:
The Somali hedgehog (Atelerix sclateri) is a species of hedgehog native to the Horn of Africa, particularly in Somalia, Djibouti, and Ethiopia.
It is also known as Sclater's hedgehog, named after the British zoologist Philip Lutley Sclater.
Somali hedgehogs are small, with a body length of 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) and a weight of 300 to 600 grams (10 to 21 oz).
Their spines are shorter and more pointed than those of the European hedgehog.
Somali hedgehogs have a light brown or greyish-brown fur on their back and sides, and a white or creamy-colored underbelly.
They are primarily nocturnal and solitary, only coming together to mate.
Their diet mainly consists of insects, but they may also eat small vertebrates, fruits, and plant matter.
Somali hedgehogs are able to roll into a tight ball to protect themselves from predators, with their spines pointing outwards.
They have good hearing and sense of smell, but their eyesight is poor.
Somali hedgehogs have a relatively short lifespan, usually living for 2 to 4 years in the wild and up to 6 years in captivity.
They are not considered endangered, although their populations are threatened by habitat loss and human activities.
Female Somali hedgehogs have a gestation period of 35 to 40 days and give birth to 2 to 4 young per litter.
The young, known as hoglets, are born blind and hairless, and their spines begin to emerge after a few days.
Somali hedgehogs are not commonly kept as pets, although some people do keep them in captivity.
As with other hedgehog species, Somali hedgehogs can carry diseases such as salmonella and ringworm that can be transmitted to humans.
In some parts of their range, Somali hedgehogs are hunted for their meat.
They have been known to take shelter in abandoned termite mounds.
Somali hedgehogs have a reputation for being solitary and grumpy, and may hiss or roll into a ball when threatened.
They are primarily active during the rainy season, when there is an abundance of insects.
Somali hedgehogs play an important role in their ecosystem by controlling insect populations and serving as prey for larger animals.
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