Life Cycle. The hedgehog was named because of its peculiar foraging methods. An APH is a mix of the white-bellied/ four-toed hedgehog and the Algerian hedgehog. The African pygmy hedgehog is actually a hybrid of two species, the North African or Algerian hedgehog, and the white-bellied or four-toed hedgehog. Other type of pet hedgehogs are Egyptian long-eared hedgehog and Indian long-eared hedgehog. 20 Enchanting Facts About Hedgehogs. African pygmy hedgehogs do not need leaf and wood bedding, nor do they need natural material from outdoors. After a gestation period of 30 to 40 days, 2 to 7 naked and blind young are born. Litters can be 6-8 or more. The species common name is derived from the number of … The most common species of pet hedgehog is the African pygmy hedgehog. Adaptation in the Hedgehog Adaptation in a population of living things happens as a result of an adaptive trait.This is any inheritable trait that increases it’s survival rate so that it can live longer, reproduce longer, and have more offspring (that also have The most common pet species of hedgehog are hybrids of the white-bellied hedgehog or four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) and the North African hedgehog (A. algirus). When a hedgehog enters a state of panic or needs defense, the hedgehog curls itself into a ball and extends its spines vertically for protection. … Populations tend to be scattered between suitable savannah or cropland habitats, avoiding forested areas. African hedgehogs typically mate in October and March. They have been bred in captivity for many years and are effectively domesticated animals. In place of these structures existed only hair. What type of habitat do African pygmy hedgehogs prefer? This species is possibly the most similar species to the hedgehog, supporting its history of evolution. Adaptation in the Hedgehog Adaptation in a population of living things happens as a result of an adaptive trait.This is any inheritable trait that increases it’s survival rate so that it can live longer, reproduce longer, and have more offspring (that also have 8. Those who have begun to breed these little guys find that they have a rapid reproductive cycle – gestation is only 35 days – and babies are sexually mature and ready to breed at around two months of age! Females are slightly larger than males, and both sexes are smaller than the European hedgehog (which is why this species is also called the Pygmy hedgehog.) The lifespan of the African pygmy hedgehog is around two to three years in the wild, or as many as ten years in captivity. It is smaller than the European hedgehog, and thus is sometimes called the African pygmy hedgehog.Other species kept as pets are the long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) and the Indian long-eared hedgehog (H. … Life Cycle. African hedgehogs typically mate in October and March. The species is sexually dimorphic with the females being slightly larger than the males. These spines cannot be released from the hedgehog in an offensive attack but rather act as a defense mechanism against predators in the wild. The scientific name for the African Pygmy Hedgehog is Atelerix Albiventris and it is a part of the Erinaceidae family. After a gestation period of 30 to 40 days, 2 to 7 naked and blind young are born. Hedgehogs are insectivores, meaning they feast mainly on insects. They are solitary animals. The only main difference between this species and the African Pygmy Hedgehog is that it lacked spines. When rolled into the hedgehog’s characteristic defensive ball, they are about the size of a large grapefruit. African pygmy hedgehogs are found in a wide variety of habitats, including grassland, scrub, savannah, and even suburban gardens. African pygmy hedgehogs can't be kept in pairs or groups. The average length of an African pygmy hedgehog is approximately 7-9 inches when the animal is relaxed. The African pygmy hedgehog ranges from Senegal to Sudan and down to Zambia. Hedgie power! The four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), is a species of hedgehog found throughout much of central and eastern Africa. There are many species of hedgehogs that are unique in their own ways, particularly based on adaptations made by location changes. instagram.com. The most common domesticated hedgehog is the African pygmy hedgehog. Females are slightly larger than males, and both sexes are smaller than the European hedgehog (which is why this species is also called the Pygmy hedgehog.) I chose the species of the African Pygmy Hedgehog because I own one as a pet. Around 2 years ago when I was first aware that hedgehogs could be kept as pets, I was immediately interested.