Four-toed Hedgehogヨツユビハリネズミ

Atelerix albiventrisLC— Least Concern

The four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is a small, nocturnal insectivore native to the grasslands and open woodlands of central and eastern Africa. It gets its name from having only four toes on its hind feet, and curls into a spiny ball when threatened. Widely bred as a pet, it is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Four-toed Hedgehog (reference photo)
Photo: Cvmontuy / CC BY 4.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification
Eulipotyphla / Erinaceidae Source
Distribution
Native to central and eastern Africa, ranging from Gambia and Senegal in the west to Somalia in the east and south to Mozambique. It favors grasslands and open woodland, avoiding dense forest. Source

Did You Know?

  • Its name comes from having only four toes on its hind feet, unlike related hedgehog species which typically have five. Source
  • When threatened, it curls into a tight ball and erects its spines for protection. Source
  • It shows notable toxin tolerance and has been documented eating scorpions and venomous snakes. Source

Where to See This Species

2 facilities · 0 individuals

Hirakawa ZooKagoshimaJR指宿枕崎線「五位野駅」から徒歩約20分、またはバスで「福平農協前」から「谷山・動物園行き」に乗車し終点下車。

鹿児島市平川動物公園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

浜松市動物園 (Hamamatsushi Doubutsuen)ShizuokaOpened in 1950

浜松市動物園のWikipedia記事に飼育種として記載 Source

Latest news

2

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Conservation Story

Conservation Status

IUCNではLCに分類されています。野生動物としての生態を理解し、安易な遺棄を防ぐことが重要です。

Habitat

サハラ砂漠以南のアフリカの草地や低木地に暮らします。

Threats

Conservation & Breeding Efforts

Sources

en.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

Why is it called the four-toed hedgehog?
Its hind feet have only four toes, unlike related African hedgehog species, which typically have five. Source
Is the four-toed hedgehog nocturnal?
Yes. It is solitary and nocturnal, foraging widely at night and resting in burrows or brush during the day. Source

Source: en.wikipedia.org