Mammals
Long-eared Hedgehog
Hemiechinus auritus · also called long-eared hedgehogs
Rather than curling into a defensive ball, a startled long-eared hedgehog breaks into a quick run across the open steppe, its oversized ears, already busy venting the day’s accumulated heat, trailing behind as it seeks safer cover.
Overview
The long-eared hedgehog, Hemiechinus auritus, is native to desert and grassland habitat across parts of Central Asia and the Middle East. Its disproportionately large, heat-releasing ears, preference for running over rolling into a ball, and notable speed for a hedgehog make it one of the more behaviourally and physically distinctive hedgehog species found anywhere.
Ears built for a hot climate
The long-eared hedgehog’s oversized ears do double duty, both enhancing its hearing and functioning as an effective cooling system, a combination that reflects just how demanding its hot desert and steppe habitat can be.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable desert and grassland habitat throughout Central Asia and the Middle East.
Long-eared Hedgehog: common questions
Why does the long-eared hedgehog have such large ears?
Its unusually large, blood-vessel-rich ears help release excess body heat, an important adaptation for surviving in its hot desert and steppe habitat.
Does the long-eared hedgehog defend itself the same way as other hedgehogs?
Not always; it tends to run from danger more readily than many other hedgehog species, which more commonly rely on rolling into a defensive ball.
What does the long-eared hedgehog eat?
It is a carnivore that eats insects and other small invertebrates, along with occasional small vertebrates.
Where is the long-eared hedgehog found?
It is native to desert and grassland habitat across parts of Central Asia and the Middle East.