What Do Hedgehogs Eat? Hedgehogs Diet By Types | BioExplorer (2024)

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African Pygmy hedgehog species are omnivorous. They feed on small quantities of plant matter, insects, spiders, and small vertebrates.

This type of hedgehog has a very short tail and short limbs and is very low to the ground. Its habitat is mainly in desert regions or areas with scrub forests.

Southern white-breasted hedgehogs feed on a varied diet which mainly constitutes beetles and earthworms.

This type of hedgehog resides in shrublands, temperate or dry forests, and terrestrial lands, while others live in urban areas.

Long-eared hedgehogs are omnivorous. They eat a diet that constitutes of small invertebrates, small vertebrates, insects, fruits, and vegetables.

This hedgehog species is found in the Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries and Egypt. As its name suggests, its long ears can distinguish this hedgehog species. Its habitat constitutes steppe and desert areas.

Daurian hedgehogs primarily feed on insects.

Minimal information is available on this hedgehog species. This hedgehog species inhabit the steppe, grasslands, and forest steppe.

Desert Hedgehogs are insectivorous, but it can also be considered as a carnivore. They feed on small invertebrates, frogs, scorpions, eggs, snakes, and insects.

This is species is also referred to as the Ethiopian Hedgehog. The interesting fact about the desert hedgehog is that it has thrived in population since human habitation. As its name suggests, the desert hedgehog is found in arid desert regions, savannahs, grasslands, inland wetlands, and shrublands.

Hedgehogs have strong smelling and hearing senses which are instrumental during their hunting process.

• Their long snouts come in handy during foraging. Hedgehogs use their snouts to look through hedges and other vegetation in search of small organisms (e.g., mice, frogs, snakes, insects, worms, and centipedes) which form a significant portion of their diet.
• While they do so, they let out hogging sounds. They then attack their prey and proceed to consume it.

When Do Hedgehogs Eat?

Hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal. This means that they tend to be active at night. This further implies they will hunt for food, eat at night, and then rest during the day.

How often do Hedgehogs Eat?

What Eats Hedgehogs?

Hedgehogs have a coat of sharp spines on their backs and sides, which tends to deter possible predators. Other animals, on the contrary, do not shy away from having hedgehogs as their meal, and these include foxes, weasels, and large birds. Other hedgehog predators include humans, ferrets, badgers, snakes, and fellow hedgehogs.

Where Do Hedgehogs Fit In The Animal Food Chain?

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