Hedgehogs of Africa

The family Erinaceindae contains hedgehogs and is divided into two sub-families: Erinaceinae, the spiny hedgehogs and Galericinae, the hairy hedgehogs. There are 16 known species of the spiny variety and 8 of the hairy type. Aside from the absence of spines, hairy hedgehogs have longer muzzles and slightly longer legs. The hairy hedgehogs are primarily found in the high wooded areas of Southeast Asia; an area void of the spiny variety. There are no species of hedgehogs native to Australia or the Americas.

Despite their awkward appearance, hedgehogs are versatile. They are able to climb fences and walls with relative ease and speed. With five clawed toes, they are efficient diggers; several species dig nest burrows. Hedgehogs are also competent swimmers; African species found in arid regions without rivers have shown remarkable abilities when crossing water.

As insectivores, hedgehogs feed on beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, and earwigs, but they are not picky in their foraging habits. 

The hedgehogs depicted are the Algerian hedgehog, Atelerix algirus, the Southern African hedgehog, Atelerix frontalis and the Ethiopian hedgehog also known as the desert hedgehog, Paraechinus aethiopicus.

Long-eared Hedgehog - Palestine

The Palestinian flag is similar in design and color to several other nations using the Pan-Arab style. This design style includes using the colors black, white, red, and green, usually as horizontal strips, but there are slight deviations. Egypt uses no red while South Sudan adds a blue chevron and a yellow star.

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Hemiechinus auritus - The long-eared hedgehog has distinctive long ears to dissipate heat and to help in locating insects, the hedgehog’s primary food. The long-eared hedgehog goes through one breeding cycle per year, usually produces 2 to 3 young. The pups are born without a full set of spines, but there are some lodged under a protective membrane. As this coating begins to loosen and fall away, the quills begin to emerge and stiffen up. Within two weeks of birth the pups will have a full set of functioning quills.

European Mole - Czech Republic

Three historic districts make up the modern Czech Republic: Bohemia, Moravia, and Czech Silesia. Bohemia, the largest district, includes the western and central territory of the country. Moravia is located in the southeast of the country and Czech Silesia consists of a small sliver of land to the northeast.

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Talpa europaea - Aside from a brief period when young moles venture out of the maternal nest to build their own tunnels, European moles remain hidden in their underground burrows. The mole is well equipped for this subterranean life. It has small underdeveloped eyes, but a keen sense of smell used for finding earthworms, its preferred food. The cylindrical body and powerful front claws are ideal for burrowing. Moles build and maintain extensive systems of burrows for nesting and storage or as avenues for acquiring food.