The Hedgehog is a small, almost porcupine like mammals, mostly but more times, rarely seen during night time, however sightings have been made during daytime as well.
Seeing that is a variety of species, the South African hedgehog (Atelerix frontalis) is a species of mammals in the Erinaceidae family and mainly being found in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho , Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The question most commonly asked, is what kind of environment do hedgehogs prefer to live in. Having a weight of 1 to 2 lbs and being 7 to 9 inches long, they are indeed small little creatures. Having quills as well, they are not nearly as long or sharp as those of an porcupine. Lifespan can vary up to 10 years. They have a habitat choosing of various climates and terrains, depending on their region and specie. They are mainly insect eaters like slugs, worms, beetles, spiders, and woodlice. Occasionally bird eggs and carrion are also eaten. Hedgehogs being a mammals give birth to live young, their gestation time vary form 35 up to 58 days, depending on the specie.
One of the main challenges are the fact that, again, humans are pushing these animals out of their habitat, causing them to adapt to new surroundings. Some natives also grew up with the believe that when you have a encounter with a hedgehog, you will be cursed, hence the fact that some are being killed every year.
Sufficient education and management is a necessity in preserving these little spiky animals. Hedgehogs are not an endangered specie yet, but like with all animals, conservation and preservation is key in sustaining the existence of these animals.
Various projects have been put into place by some organizations , Sekute Conservation Area being just one of them. In 2013 Warwickshire Wildlife Trust launched the Help for Hedgehogs campaign in Solihull Hedgehog Improvement Area.
These tiny creatures need to be respected for them to be there for our children and there generations after them.