Hedgehogs: eared, bald, prickly …

Zoologists account for about two dozen species of hedgehogs, of which five are found in Russia. The most numerous are the common, or western, and Eastern European, or white-breasted, hedgehogs. Not so long ago they were considered one species (the Amur hedgehog, now also identified as a separate species) was also attributed, but studies have shown that they are all different. The white-hooded hedgehog has a darker (somewhat grimy) muzzle, and its sides and belly are blond, while its western brother has dark brown hair on the sides. The main difference: the eastern hedgehog has a very bright spot on the chest. However, when meeting in the forest grass, this omen does not work …
The Daurian hedgehog living in Transbaikalia is rare and was listed in the Red Book of Russia. Continue reading →