Brandt's hedgehog
Species of mammal
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Brandt's hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas) is a species of desert hedgehog native to parts of the Middle East and Central Asia.[2] Its common name derives from its having first been described by Johann Friedrich von Brandt, a director of the Zoological Department at the St Petersburg Academy of Sciences.
| Brandt's hedgehog | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Eulipotyphla |
| Family: | Erinaceidae |
| Genus: | Paraechinus |
| Species: | P. hypomelas |
| Binomial name | |
| Paraechinus hypomelas (Brandt, 1836) | |
 | |
| Brandt's hedgehog range | |
Description
Brandt's hedgehog is approximately the size of the West European hedgehog (about 500–1,000 g (18–35 oz) in weight and 25 cm (9.8 in) in length), but has distinctively large ears (similar to the long-eared hedgehog), and is a much faster runner, due to lighter needle protection. Unlike the long-eared hedgehog, however, it is predominantly nocturnal.[citation needed]
The first and only study of the Brandt's hedgehog histological skin characteristics found three layers of skin the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis;[3] while previous studies of other hedgehogs cited only two.[4]
Habitat
Brandt's hedgehog prefers arid desert areas and mountains. It often uses natural shelter, although it is still capable of digging dens when absolutely needed. It hibernates during colder weather.[citation needed]
