Indian Long-eared Hedgehog[1] | |
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Conservation status | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Erinaceomorpha |
Family: | Erinaceidae |
Genus: | Hemiechinus |
Species: | H. collaris |
Binomial name | |
Hemiechinus collaris (Gray, 1830) |
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Indian Long-eared Hedgehog range |
The Indian Long-eared Hedgehog (Hemiechinus collaris) is a relatively small hedgehog (~17 cm, 200-500 grams) native to India. It is insectivorous and nocturnal. [3]
Contents |
The Indian Long-eared Hedgehog is a nocturnal animal that is often found inhabiting borrows.[3] Similar to most Hedgehogs is has spines on its back, embedded into a muscle sheath. This sheath forms a bag like structure that the animal can hide inside for protection. It can also erect its spines to further protect from predators. The Indian Long-eared Hedgehog has a well developed set of senses because of its large ears, eyes and whiskers near its snout. [4] These senses, especially smell, help them find food and or a possible partner.[5]
The Indian Long-eared Hedgehog is insectivorous, feeding on small insects. Because of their arid desert habitat they often receive most of the water they need from their food supply. [6]
The Indian Long-eared Hedgehog is found in Pakistan (North West Frontier Province, Punjab and Sindh) and India (Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The Indian Long-eared hedgehog experiences extreme heat in the months of May and June and very cold weather in December and January. [6]
This species of hedgehog are seasonal breeders. The males are active from March to August [3] while the females are active from April to August.[6] The Indian Long-eared Hedgehog is notable for a quite complex mating ritual that involves "dancing" around females for several days before mating.
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