African Pygmy Hedgehog

Status: Least Concern

The African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) or Four toed Hedgehog is a small, nocturnal animal native to Equatorial Africa. As a solitary, nocturnal animal, it constantly moves, covering several miles in one night. Although not territorial, individuals keep their distance from each other. When threatened, the animal has the ability to contract a series of muscles, rolling itself into a compact ball shape, forcing its quills out in all directions. In a relaxed state, the quills lie flat against the animal’s body. A unique behavior present in this species is the process of self-anointing. When an animal discovers an unusual taste or scent, it creates frothy saliva, which it spreads across its body in a series of remarkable contortions. The reason for this behavior is unknown.