Daurian hedgehog

Taxonomy

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Eulipotyphla
Family:	Erinaceidae
Genus:	Mesechinus
Species:	Mesechinus dauuricus

Natural range & habitat

The Daurian Hedgehog is native to parts of eastern Mongolia, southeastern Russia, and northeastern China, particularly in areas associated with the Daurian steppe and surrounding semi-arid landscapes. It inhabits open grasslands, dry steppe regions, and scrub-covered areas, often avoiding dense forest or wetlands. The species is adapted to temperate climates with cold winters and warm summers. It favors habitats with loose soil that allows for burrowing and provides sufficient cover from predators. Seasonal changes in vegetation and prey abundance influence its distribution within its range. Due to the remoteness of much of its habitat, detailed mapping of its population density and precise range limits remains incomplete.

Physical traits

The Daurian Hedgehog is a medium-sized species with an adult body length typically ranging from 15 to 25 centimeters and weight varying between 400 grams in early spring and up to 1 kilogram before hibernation. It has a dense covering of brown and cream-banded spines on its back and flanks, while the face and underparts are covered in coarse fur ranging from light brown to grey. The snout is elongated and mobile, well-adapted for rooting through soil. Ears are small and rounded, lying low against the head. The legs are short but sturdy, enabling efficient digging. There is no clear sexual dimorphism, although males may be slightly heavier than females during the breeding season. Seasonal changes in body condition are pronounced due to fat accumulation before winter hibernation.

Behavior & lifestyle

The Daurian Hedgehog is solitary and nocturnal, emerging at dusk to forage and returning to a daytime shelter before sunrise. It constructs nests in shallow burrows, under shrubs, or in natural crevices, lining them with grass, leaves, and other plant material. In colder months, it undergoes hibernation, often from late September or October until April, depending on regional climate conditions. Before hibernation, it builds an insulated hibernaculum to protect against extreme cold. Activity levels and home range size vary with season and resource availability. It is generally non-aggressive toward conspecifics outside the breeding season, but encounters are infrequent due to its solitary nature. When threatened, it curls into a defensive ball, raising its spines to deter predators.

Communication

Communication in the Daurian Hedgehog is presumed to be primarily olfactory, as in other hedgehog species, with scent marking likely used to define territories and signal reproductive status. Detailed studies on its scent glands or marking behavior are lacking. Acoustic communication includes snuffles, hisses, and grunts during foraging or encounters with other hedgehogs, as well as potential clicking or puffing sounds during courtship. Visual cues are limited due to its nocturnal habits, and tactile communication is restricted mainly to mating interactions. Self-anointing behavior has not been well documented for this species, though it is common among related erinaceids and may occur here as well.

Diet in the wild

The Daurian Hedgehog is an opportunistic insectivore, feeding primarily on beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, ants, and other ground-dwelling invertebrates. It may also consume earthworms, spiders, small vertebrates, bird eggs, and occasionally carrion when available. Plant material such as berries or fallen fruit may be eaten opportunistically, especially in late summer. Foraging is conducted on the ground, often involving sniffing and digging through soil and leaf litter. The species obtains most of its water from food and dew, making it relatively independent from direct water sources. Seasonal changes in insect availability strongly influence dietary composition.

Reproduction & life cycle

Breeding in the Daurian Hedgehog generally occurs in late spring and early summer, soon after emergence from hibernation. Courtship likely resembles that of related species, involving circling behavior, vocalizations, and scent cues. After mating, the female prepares a well-concealed nest where she gives birth to a litter of typically three to six hoglets. Gestation is estimated at around 35 days, though precise figures for this species are not well-documented. The young are born blind and with soft spines that harden within the first few days. Eyes open at around two weeks, and weaning occurs by four to six weeks. Late-season litters may be rare due to the limited time available before the onset of winter. Sexual maturity is generally reached the following spring. Lifespan in the wild is unknown but likely comparable to other hedgehogs, averaging three to five years.

Threats & conservation status

The Daurian Hedgehog is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with no evidence of major population declines across its range. However, localized threats exist, including habitat loss from agricultural expansion, overgrazing, and infrastructure development. Road mortality and predation by domestic dogs may impact some populations near human settlements. The use of pesticides can reduce insect prey and introduce harmful toxins. Climate change, particularly shifts in seasonal patterns and snow cover, may affect hibernation timing and food availability, though this has not been studied in depth. Overall, the species’ large distribution range and adaptability to various open habitats contribute to its current stable status.

This species in captivity

The Daurian Hedgehog is not commonly kept in captivity and is absent from the exotic pet trade. It may occasionally be held in wildlife rehabilitation facilities within its native range, usually for treatment of injuries or temporary care before release. Its adaptation to a highly seasonal climate, including prolonged hibernation, makes it unsuitable for typical captive environments. No structured captive breeding programs or zoo populations exist for this species. Captive care would require a diet high in live invertebrates, ample space for natural foraging behavior, and seasonal temperature variation to support natural cycles. Conservation for this species is best achieved through habitat protection and monitoring in the wild.