Understanding pedigrees How to read an animal’s family tree

Pedigrees, or family trees, are valuable tools for breeders, researchers, and pet owners. They provide insight into an animal’s ancestry, genetic background, and potential health risks. While the concept is the same for both hedgehogs and tenrecs, the amount of detail and the way pedigrees are used differs between the two groups.

What a Pedigree Is

A pedigree is essentially a visual record of ancestry. It traces an animal’s parents, grandparents, and sometimes several generations further back. Each box or line represents an individual, showing how traits and lineage are passed down.

For insectivores like hedgehogs and tenrecs, pedigrees help caretakers:

• Avoid inbreeding by showing relatedness.
• Preserve genetic diversity in small populations.
• Track health issues that may run in certain lines.
• Understand breeding outcomes, such as colour inheritance in hedgehogs.

Pedigrees in Tenrecs

For tenrecs, pedigrees are often more basic. Because tenrec breeding in captivity is relatively uncommon and populations are smaller, records usually include:

• Species name
• Origin or wild-caught status (if known)
• Parentage (when available)
• Sometimes a general history of which facility or breeder produced the animals

Tenrec pedigrees are therefore primarily about ancestry and origin, helping breeders and zoos prevent inbreeding and maintain healthy bloodlines. They typically do not include detailed traits such as colour morphs, since these are not formally established in tenrecs the way they are in hedgehogs.

Pedigrees in Hedgehogs

In hedgehogs, pedigrees are often much more detailed, especially in species kept widely in captivity such as the African Pygmy Hedgehog. A pedigree may include:

• Names of parents and grandparents
• Date of birth of each ancestor
• Colour and pattern genetics
• Breeder names and sometimes even contact information
• Registration numbers if the animal is registered with a hedgehog club or breeder association

Some pedigree registries also track health information, including whether Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS) has occurred in the bloodline. This can help breeders make more informed choices and reduce the spread of inherited conditions.

Reading a Pedigree

When reading a pedigree, look for:

• Generational depth: How many generations are listed? More depth allows better assessment of diversity.
• Repeated names: If the same ancestor appears multiple times, this may indicate inbreeding.
• Colour or trait inheritance: In hedgehogs, follow how coat colours or patterns are passed along.
• Health notes: Any mention of WHS or other conditions is important for risk assessment.

Why Pedigrees Matter

For both hedgehogs and tenrecs, pedigrees are not just paperwork; they are critical tools for responsible breeding and conservation. They allow breeders to balance diversity, avoid repeating health issues, and maintain transparency about an animal’s background. For hedgehogs, where colour breeding and health conditions like WHS are significant factors, pedigrees become even more detailed and essential.

In Summary

• Tenrecs: Pedigrees are generally simple, focusing on ancestry and origin to avoid inbreeding.
• Hedgehogs: Pedigrees are detailed, often including colour, birth dates, breeder names, registration numbers, and health history (including WHS).
• Understanding pedigrees helps ensure responsible breeding, healthier animals, and better awareness of potential risks in both groups.