Fauna – the hedgehog
Southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor)
The southern white-breasted hedgehog is a small mammal of the order Eulipotyphla, recognised by its stocky body, short legs and distinctive spines covering its back and flanks. Adults weigh between 600 and 1,200 grams, with males generally being slightly larger than females. The underside is covered with soft, paler fur that often forms a characteristic white patch on the chest, from which the species takes its name. The spines are dark brown to black with lighter tips and provide effective protection against predators.
Although largely insectivorous, the southern white-breasted hedgehog is an omnivore. Most of its diet consists of invertebrates, particularly insects, earthworms, slugs and their larvae. It also occasionally feeds on small vertebrates, eggs, fruit and other plant material. The hedgehog is primarily nocturnal, emerging from its shelter after dark to forage for food. During the day it rests in a nest made of dry leaves, grass and other plant material, often concealed beneath shrubs, hedgerows or piles of branches. In winter it hibernates, sometimes for several months, depending on weather conditions and food availability.
Southern white-breasted hedgehogs are not strongly territorial, although individuals occupy home ranges that may overlap with those of other hedgehogs. The size of the home range depends on habitat quality and the availability of food. Breeding takes place once a year. Mating begins in late spring or early summer, and after a gestation period of about five weeks the female gives birth to three to six young. The young are born blind and without fully developed spines, which begin to emerge soon after birth, and remain with their mother for several weeks until they become independent. They spend the winter in hibernation. During hibernation, the hedgehog’s body temperature falls to about 4 °C (compared to a normal temperature of around 34 °C), its heart rate drops to about 20 beats per minute (compared to around 190 when awake), and it breathes only about ten times per minute. The average lifespan of wild hedgehogs is between three and five years, although some individuals live longer.
When threatened, the southern white-breasted hedgehog curls into a tight ball, erecting its spines in defence. Its natural predators include carnivorous mammals such as foxes and badgers, as well as certain birds of prey and owls. In human-dominated landscapes, road traffic, pesticide use and habitat loss resulting from intensive agriculture and urbanisation pose significant threats.
The southern white-breasted hedgehog occurs throughout eastern and central Europe. In Slovenia it is common and widespread, particularly in lowland and hilly areas. It favours mosaic landscapes combining meadows, gardens, woodland edges and settlements. It is also frequently found close to people, where it takes advantage of the wide variety of food sources and shelter available.
As an important component of the ecosystem, the southern white-breasted hedgehog plays an important role in regulating populations of insects and other invertebrates. In doing so, it helps maintain the natural ecological balance and can also contribute to reducing certain agricultural and garden pests.
Hubert Potočnik, Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
