Where does the long-eared hedgehog live?
The long-eared hedgehog is native to Central Asian countries and some countries of the Middle East. Its range extends from the eastern Mediterranean through south-western Asia to western Pakistan, and from eastern Ukraine through Mongolia to China. It lives in burrows that it either makes or finds. It is considered one of the smallest Middle Eastern hedgehogs.
What does the long-eared hedgehog eat?
This hedgehog is insectivorous, but may also feed on small vertebrates and plants. It has great senses of hearing and smell, which it uses to hunt out food. Its ears, 30 to 45 mm long, longer than the closest spine, are used for heat radiation in the desert. It is distinguished by its long ears.
Is the long-eared hedgehog endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. It measures approximately 120 to 270 mm, with a tail of 10 to 50 mm. In captivity it can live for over 7 years. Wild hedgehogs have been found to carry the brown dog tick, which can transmit Boutonneuse fever.
