Title of Latvian animal of the year hedge-hogged / Article

Latvia has two species of hedgehog, Erinaceus roumanicus and Erinaceus europaeus, whose only visual difference is the color of its chest – white or brown, respectively.

The hedgehog is a small, rotund animal, the most characteristic feature of which is its needle-covered body. The head is small, with a pointed, mobile, and moist nose. Hedgehogs have small, round eyes, small, rounded ears, and a very short tail. The legs are relatively short, strong, with five toes and claws, which are also suitable for digging.

Hedgehogs move in steady, quick steps, but can also run and even jump.

The back and sides are covered with a 2-centimetre-long needle-like fur, while the head, belly and legs are covered with coarse hair. In danger, the hedgehog can curl into a ball, sticking its needles outwards.

Hedgehogs inhabit areas rich in shrubs, deciduous trees and rich understory vegetation – woodland edges, farmland, gardens, and parks. They like to stay close to settlements, also in urban areas. They are omnivorous, but feed mainly on invertebrates – beetles, caterpillars, snails, worms, and spiders. They also eat fruit and small vertebrates such as frogs, snakes, lizards, baby birds, and eggs. Hedgehogs have a lifespan of 5-7 years. Their natural enemies are foxes, badgers, martens, wild boars, owls, and dogs. They are also threatened by vehicles, grass burning, and pesticide use.

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