Kingdom Animalia Order Eulipotyphla Genus Paraechinus Higher classification Paraechinus | Phylum Chordata Family Erinaceidae Scientific name Paraechinus hypomelas Rank Species | |
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Similar Hedgehog, Paraechinus, Mammal, Indian hedgehog, Desert hedgehog | ||
Brandt's hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas) is a species of desert hedgehog native to the Middle East and Middle Asia. Brandt's hedgehog is approximately the size of the West European hedgehog (about 500–1,000 g in weight and 25 cm in length), but has distinctively large ears similar to the long-eared hedgehog and is a much faster runner due to lighter (but still superior to the long-eared hedgehog) needle protection. It is a fast runner, but, unlike the long-eared hedgehog, predominantly nocturnal and uses cuddling tactic more often, although still employing "jumping" attack.
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.
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.