The long-eared hedgehog is a species of hedgehog native to Central Asian countries and some countries of the Middle East. The long-eared hedgehog lives in burrows that it either makes or finds and is distinguished by its long ears. It is considered one of the smallest Middle Eastern hedgehogs. This hedgehog is insectivorous but may also feed on small vertebrates and plants. In captivity they can live for over 7 years.
Image: Hemiechinus auritus; Baikonur 09
Image: Long Eared Hedgehog Range
Long-eared hedgehogs in Leningrad Zoo
Pet hedgehogs eating
A hedgehog is a spiny mammal of the subfamily Erinaceinae, in the eulipotyphlan family Erinaceidae. There are seventeen species of hedgehog in five genera found throughout parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and in New Zealand by introduction. There are no hedgehogs native to Australia and no living species native to the Americas. However, the extinct genus Amphechinus was once present in North America.
Hedgehog
A skin-skeletal preparation
A hedgehog that feels threatened can roll into a tight ball.
Hedgehog suffering from balloon syndrome before deflating