Mammals
Four-toed Hedgehog
Atelerix albiventris · also called African pygmy hedgehog, white-bellied hedgehog
Curling into a tight, spine-covered ball at the first sign of danger, a four-toed hedgehog forages across African savanna by night, unaware that captive-bred descendants of its own species have become by far the most common pet hedgehog kept anywhere in the world.
Overview
The four-toed hedgehog, Atelerix albiventris, is native to savanna and grassland habitat across parts of central and East Africa. Its distinctive four-toed hind feet, compact and adaptable build, and status as the species behind nearly every pet hedgehog worldwide make it one of the most globally familiar hedgehog species, despite most people never encountering a wild one.
A wild African native, a familiar household pet
While the four-toed hedgehog remains a true African savanna species in the wild, captive-bred individuals have become so widespread in the pet trade that the species is now far better known to most people as a household companion than as a wild animal.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable savanna and grassland habitat throughout central and East Africa.
Four-toed Hedgehog: common questions
Why is it called the four-toed hedgehog?
It carries four toes on each hind foot rather than the five found in most other hedgehog species, a distinguishing feature that gives the species its common name.
Is the four-toed hedgehog the species kept as pets?
Yes, it supplies nearly all hedgehogs kept as exotic pets worldwide, almost always sourced from captive breeding rather than the wild.
How does the four-toed hedgehog defend itself?
It curls into a tight ball using its spines for protection when threatened, a classic defensive behaviour shared across hedgehog species generally.
Where is the four-toed hedgehog found in the wild?
It is native to savanna and grassland habitat across parts of central and East Africa.