Hedgehog & tenrec education
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Build your own Hedgehog Dome: Free online course
Category: Biology & ecology, Conservation, Hedgehogs
FREE
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The Hedgehog Program combines biology, ecology and real-world application.
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Real research. Real impact.
Our projects contribute to the understanding and protection of hedgehogs and their relatives worldwide.
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Read in-depth articles on biology, genetics, care and conservation.
Convergent evolution: The case of tenrecs and true hedgehogs
Biology 101
At first glance, a spiny tenrec from Madagascar looks almost identical to a hedgehog from Europe or Africa. Both are small, nocturnal mammals with pointed snouts, round bodies, and sharp spines covering their backs. Both roll into a tight ball when threatened, presenting predators with a prickly shield. It is easy to assume they must be close relatives. Yet this is not the case.
Ethical breeding: Putting animal welfare first
Laws & Ethics
Ethical breeding goes beyond producing offspring: it prioritizes the health, behavior and long-term welfare of every animal involved. In this article, we explore responsible breeding practices in hedgehogs and tenrecs, including genetics, housing and ethical decision-making, to support both individual animals and the future of the species in captivity.
How to make your garden hedgehog-safe
Conservation
Hedgehogs are one of the most iconic garden visitors. With their adorable snouts and quiet rustling habits, they’re easy to love, but they’re also increasingly in trouble. In recent decades, hedgehog populations have plummeted due to habitat loss, road traffic, pesticides, and fenced-in gardens that block their natural roaming routes.
Balloon syndrome in hedgehogs
Health & Veterinary basics
Balloon syndrome in hedgehogs is a rare but serious condition in which air accumulates under the animal’s skin. This can cause the body to swell significantly, making the hedgehog literally look like a balloon. The medical term for this phenomenon is subcutaneous emphysema. Balloon syndrome occurs primarily in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and is usually caused by injury to the lungs or airways.
What is enrichment? Why it matters for captive animals
Husbandry & Enclosures
When animals live in captivity, their environment is very different from the wild. In nature, survival depends on constant activity: searching for food, finding shelter, avoiding predators, exploring territory, and interacting with others. In a cage or enclosure, many of those challenges disappear. While this makes life safer, it can also make it monotonous.
Color changes over time: What to expect as your hedgehog grows old
Lifespan & Development
Hedgehog coloration is not always fixed for life. As they age, changes in pigment, quill banding and overall coat tone can occur. In this article, we explore what color changes to expect over time, what causes them and how to distinguish normal aging from underlying health concerns.
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