The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a small mammal known for its distinctive spiny coat, which serves as its primary defense mechanism against predators. Its spines, approximately 2-3 cm long, are rigid and hollow, forming a protective barrier. The body is compact with short, sturdy legs, while the elongated snout provides an excellent sense of smell. The hedgehog’s eyes are small and dark, and its rounded ears are relatively inconspicuous. Primarily nocturnal, this solitary and secretive animal plays an essential role in ecosystems as a natural controller of insect populations.
Scientific Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Eulipotyphla
- Family: Erinaceidae
- Genus: Erinaceus
- Species: Erinaceus europaeus
Dimensions and Weight: The European hedgehog has a body length ranging from 20 to 30 cm, with a very short tail of about 2-5 cm. Its weight varies significantly depending on the season and food availability, from 600-700 grams in spring to over 1.2 kg in autumn, when it builds up fat reserves in preparation for winter hibernation.
Habitat: This species is highly adaptable and can be found in various environments, including deciduous forests, grasslands, farmlands, and urban gardens. It prefers areas with dense vegetation that provide shelter and abundant food. During the day, hedgehogs rest in nests made of dry leaves, twigs, and grass, built in hedgerows, clearings, or under piles of wood. The European hedgehog is widely distributed across Western and Central Europe and has been introduced to some British islands and New Zealand.
Behavior and Habits: The European hedgehog is a nocturnal and solitary animal, traveling several kilometers each night in search of food. Its diet is mainly insectivorous, consisting of earthworms, beetles, slugs, and other invertebrates, though it may also consume small amphibians, fruits, and fungi. When threatened, it curls into a tight ball, using its spines as a defense mechanism. With the arrival of cold weather, it enters hibernation from October-November to March-April, retreating into a well-insulated nest to survive the winter months.
Dangers, Enemies, and Threats: Natural predators of the European hedgehog include owls, foxes, badgers, and stray dogs. However, the greatest threats come from human activities. The excessive use of pesticides reduces food availability, while habitat loss and urban expansion force hedgehogs closer to human settlements. One of the most significant dangers is road traffic, which causes high mortality rates every year. Hedgehogs are also at risk from wildfires, impenetrable fences, and gardening tools.
Protected or Endangered Species: The European hedgehog is a protected species in many European countries, where capturing or harming them is prohibited. It is listed under Appendix III of the Bern Convention, which aims to conserve wildlife and natural habitats in Europe. Although not currently considered endangered, its population is declining in some areas due to habitat fragmentation and human impact. Conservation programs and local initiatives, such as creating "wildlife corridors" in gardens, are essential to ensuring the species’ long-term survival.
References__________________________________________________________________________
Jota Baptista C, Oliveira PA, Gonzalo-Orden JM, Seixas F. Do Urban Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) Represent a Relevant Source of Zoonotic Diseases? Pathogens. 2023 Feb 7;12(2):268. doi: 10.3390/pathogens12020268.
Abstract. Urban fauna is defined as animal species that can live in urban environments. Several species, including the western-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), have now been identified as part of this urban fauna, becoming permanent residents of parks and gardens in different cities across Europe. Due to the importance that this phenomenon represents for zoonotic disease surveillance, several authors have been conducting zoonotic agents' surveys on hedgehog. The aim of this study is to compare zoonotic diseases' prevalence in hedgehogs in urban environments with those from more rural areas. A systematic review with meta-analysis of twelve studied of zoonotic diseases' (in urban and rural areas of Europe) was therefore conducted for this purpose. Fifteen different zoonoses have been assessed in urban environments and six in rural areas. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was the most prevalent zoonotic agent found in urban habitats (96%). Dermatophytosis shows statistically significant differences between locations (p-value < 0.001), with a higher prevalence in urban Poland (55%; n = 182). Our results suggest further research and a standardized monitoring of different hedgehog populations are essential to understanding the epidemiology of several zoonotic pathogens in different habitat types (urban, rural, natural, industrial, etc.) and preventing possible disease outbreaks.
Rosa S, Silvestre-Ferreira AC, Queiroga FL. A Review on Blood Reference Values as a Valuable Marker of Wildlife Welfare in Erinaceus europaeus. Animals (Basel). 2024 Mar 21;14(6):982. doi: 10.3390/ani14060982.
Abstract. The western-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), in expanding its range towards human habitats, faces exposure to contaminants and biological agents, potentially leading to diseases associated with hematological and biochemical changes. As bioindicators of environmental pollution and carriers of zoonotic agents, hedgehogs play a crucial role in One Health studies, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of their clinical-pathological aspects. Exploring the blood reference values in healthy animals of this species is crucial for understanding and improving their well-being, and identifying possible diseases/pathogens that may affect its conservation and/or impact human health. This review is focused on analyzing the data available in the literature for Erinaceus europaeus blood reference intervals. A comprehensive literature review of the studies published in Europe is performed, highlighting their specificities, and emphasizing the need for continuous research in this field. Our final goal is to provide a crucial tool for assessing the health status of the species, and underscoring the significance of research in this specific domain.
Keymer IF, Gibson EA, Reynolds DJ. Zoonoses and other findings in hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus): a survey of mortality and review of the literature. Vet Rec. 1991 Mar 16;128(11):245-9. doi: 10.1136/vr.128.11.245.
Abstract. A survey of mortality in hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) was carried out between July 1976 and November 1986. Most were from Norfolk. Of the 74 examined, 35 (47.3 per cent) were road casualties, one of which yielded Salmonella typhimurium phage type (PT) 104. Of the remaining 39, 13 (33.3 per cent) had salmonellosis due to S enteritidis PT 11. This organism, which appears to be common and widespread in hedgehogs in England was found in 10 separate incidents. The only other zoonosis was ringworm (Trichophyton erinacei infection). Other findings included ectoparasitic infestations with mange mites (Caparinia tripilis), fleas (Archaeopsylla erinacei) and ticks (Ixodes hexagonus). Helminths comprised Crenosoma striatum lungworms (associated with Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in one animal), intestinal nematodes (Capillaria species), cestodes (Rodentolepis erinacei), trematodes (Brachylaemus erinacei) and acanthocephalans (Prosthoryhnchus species). Metaldehyde poisoning was diagnosed in three animals. Over a 10 year period 370 carcases were counted on a stretch of 18 miles of road in Norfolk. The major causes of mortality are probably road casualties and hypothermia during the winter months. In December 1988 S enteritidis PT 11 was isolated from three of four carcases examined in Berkshire and the zoonosis pseudotuberculosis (Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection) was diagnosed in two of them.
Gnat S, Łagowski D, Dyląg M, Nowakiewicz A. European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus L.) as a Reservoir of Dermatophytes in Poland. Microb Ecol. 2022 Aug;84(2):363-375. doi: 10.1007/s00248-021-01866-w. Epub 2021 Sep 18. PMID: 34536095; PMCID: PMC9436838.
European Hedgehog 
