European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) | Animals of Europe| European Animals

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), also known as the West European hedgehog or common hedgehog, is a hedgehog species native to Europe from Iberia and Italy northwards into Scandinavia and westwards into the British Isles.[3] It is a generally common and widely distributed species that can survive across a wide range of habitat types. It is a well-known species, and a favourite in European gardens, both for its endearing appearance and its preference for eating a range of garden pests. While populations are currently stable across much of its range, it is declining severely in Great Britain[2] where it is now Red Listed[4] (classified as near to extinction). #hedgehog #animals #zoology #nature #wildlife #zoologylectures #european The European hedgehog is unlike any other creature across most of its range. Where it co-exists with the northern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus), the two species are difficult to distinguish in the field, the latter having a white spot on its chest.[2] It is probably the largest hedgehog species and is possibly the heaviest member of the order Erinaceomorpha.[9] Colour variation Leucistic or 'blonde' hedgehogs occasionally occur. Such specimens are believed to have a pair of rare recessive genes, giving rise to their black eyes and creamy-colored spines; however, they are not strictly speaking albino. They are extremely rare, except on North Ronaldsay and the Channel Island of Alderney where around 25% of the population is thought to be blonde.[10] True albino morphs of the hedgehog occur infrequently.

Видео European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) | Animals of Europe| European Animals автора Мир Маленьких Пушистых