Facts about the Southern African Hedgehog -- Atelerix frontalis:

A summary of most interesting statistics (size, gestation...), amazing environmental adaptations & fascinating facts about social habits, etc.

SIZE: Length 20 cm, mass 350 g.

COLOUR: Brown and white spines on upper part of body, including flanks; grey-brown to dark brown hairs on head, limbs and tail. A band of white hair is across the forehead. The underparts vary from off-white to black.

GESTATION PERIOD: approx. 35 days

MOST LIKE: Occasionally confused with the Porcupine although the hedgehog's brownish colour, small size and short spines easily distinguish it from the much larger, long-spined, black and white porcupine.

HABITAT: A wide variety of habitats providing dry soil and dry cover for daytime shelter. A plentiful supply of insects, worms and roots is essential.

FOOD:

REPRODUCTION & GESTATION PERIOD:

DISTRIBUTION MAP:

WHERE FOUND:
Pilanesberg National Park (South Africa)
Addo Elephant National Park
Mountain Zebra National Park
Golden Gate Highlands National Park