Indian hedgehog

Indian hedgehog
Conservation status
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Eulipotyphla
Family:	Erinaceidae
Genus:	Paraechinus
Species:	P. micropus
Binomial name
	Paraechinus micropus; (Blyth, 1846)
	Indian hedgehog range

The Indian hedgehog (Paraechinus micropus) is a species of hedgehog native to India and Pakistan.^[2] It mainly lives in sandy desert areas but can be found in other environments.^[2]

Description

The Indian hedgehog can be compared to the

Wildlife Protection Act (1972).^[4] Indian hedgehogs also have a lot of acid phosphatase in their medulla oblongata and pons which can affect the way their blood capillaries work in the brain.^[5] Their brains also have a lot of enzyme activity going on because of the presence of acetylcholinesterase ^[6]

Behavior

Being a part of the family Erinaceidae, the Indian hedgehog has a very diverse diet consuming insects (preferably beetles), worms, slugs, frogs, toads, bird eggs, snakes, and scorpions.^[7] Although it doesn't hibernate, it is still capable of slowing down its metabolism when food is scarce. When danger presents itself, the Indian hedgehog rolls up into a ball. The upper side of the body has spines to protect from predators. The Indian hedgehog is capable of digging burrows about 45 cm long.^[3] They use these to sleep in and to stay hidden from danger. Any open burrow is fair game and they inhabit any that are vacant. Like all hedgehogs, these animals go through a process called self-anointing. They spread their own saliva on their spines and fur after tasting or smelling something that is unfamiliar to them. This behavior occurs in both sexes, at all ages, and at any time of the year.

Reproduction

Male and female Indian hedgehogs meet only to breed and reproduce. The female gives birth to up to three cubs and raises them on her own without the help of the male.

Predators

The known predators of Indian hedgehogs include foxes, Indian grey mongooses (

Herpestes edwardsi), and rock-horned owls (Bubo bubo turcomanus). Predators have to be quick and resourceful to snatch the hedgehog before it curls up into its prickly ball.^[3]