Long-Eared Hedgehog

Hemiechinus auritus

The long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) is a small insect-eating mammal of dry country from parts of North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean through the Middle East into Central Asia. Its oversized ears help with heat loss and give it a different look from the shorter-eared European and four-toed hedgehogs. The body is relatively light and long-legged, so a threatened animal may sprint for cover before curling into a spiny ball. Wild long-eared hedgehogs forage at night for beetles, grasshoppers, scorpions, worms, small vertebrates, eggs, and occasional plant material.

Where legal, captive long-eared hedgehogs are usually kept by experienced exotic-mammal keepers rather than casual first-time owners. They need a warm, dry, escape-proof enclosure with deep bedding, hides, and a solid running wheel, plus an insect-rich diet balanced to prevent obesity and dental problems. Cold, damp housing can trigger torpor or respiratory trouble. Most are solitary as adults, and breeding pairs must be introduced carefully because stress and fighting are common risks. Veterinary care is best arranged before purchase, as not every clinic is prepared for hedgehog anesthesia, parasites, or nutritional disease.