Indian long-eared hedgehog

Taxonomy

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Eulipotyphla
Family:	Erinaceidae
Genus:	Hemiechinus
Species:	Hemiechinus collaris

Natural range & habitat

The Indian Long-eared Hedgehog is native to the Indian subcontinent, with its range extending primarily across India and into parts of Pakistan. It is most commonly found in dry and semi-arid regions such as scrublands, open fields, and desert edges. These habitats are typically characterized by sandy or rocky soils, sparse vegetation, and extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night. The species prefers areas where it can dig shallow burrows or find shelter under rocks or debris, and it avoids dense forests or humid climates. Human agricultural areas can sometimes provide secondary habitat, especially where cover and insect prey are abundant, though land-use changes may also threaten suitable habitats.

Physical traits

The Indian Long-eared Hedgehog is a small to medium-sized hedgehog, notable for its disproportionately large ears, which can be up to 24 centimeters long. Their ears are not only a defining feature but also play an important role in thermoregulation and sound detection, helping the animal survive in harsh, open environments. The spines on its back are relatively sparse and dark brown to dark grey in color, while the face and body is covered in soft, dark brown fur. A distinctive light-colored band or collar can be seen across the shoulders, contributing to its species name. The snout is long and slightly pointed, the limbs are slender, and the feet are well-adapted for digging. Adult individuals typically weigh between 200 and 400 grams, though weight can vary seasonally depending on food availability and reproductive status.

Behavior & lifestyle

This species is primarily nocturnal and solitary, emerging at dusk to forage and returning to shelter before dawn. It is known for its burrowing behavior, often creating shallow daytime shelters or repurposing abandoned rodent burrows. Activity levels increase during the warmer months, while in colder or drier seasons, individuals may reduce activity significantly or enter torpor to conserve energy. The Indian Long-eared Hedgehog has a relatively small home range and tends to avoid contact with conspecifics outside of the breeding season. It is a cautious and secretive animal, spending much of its time hidden and only venturing out under the cover of darkness. Although defensive behaviors such as curling into a ball are present, this species may also rely more on speed and escape due to its lighter body and open habitat.

Communication

Direct observations of communication in the Indian Long-eared Hedgehog are limited, but it is presumed to use similar cues as other hedgehog species. Scent plays a crucial role, especially for territory marking and reproductive signaling. The species likely uses secretions from specialized glands, as well as urine and feces, to convey information. Vocalizations are rare but may include quiet hisses, snorts, or grunts, particularly in courtship or when alarmed. The enlarged ears suggest that acoustic sensitivity may be more developed in this species, possibly enabling it to detect predators or prey with high precision in its arid, open environment. There is no published research confirming whether self-anointing occurs in this species, so this behavior remains speculative.

Diet in the wild

The Indian Long-eared Hedgehog is an opportunistic insectivore with a diet composed mainly of invertebrates such as beetles, ants, termites, grasshoppers, and spiders. It also consumes small vertebrates on occasion, including frogs, lizards, or even mice if they are small enough to overpower. Seasonal food availability strongly influences dietary intake, and the hedgehog will adapt to what is accessible in its local environment. During drought or heat stress, the animal may reduce foraging and rely more on prey with high water content to maintain hydration. The species is known to actively dig for prey and may use its acute hearing to locate underground insects. Plant matter is generally avoided, and carrion is rarely consumed. There are no extensive studies detailing precise dietary percentages, and this remains a valuable area for future fieldwork.

Reproduction & life cycle

The breeding season of the Indian Long-eared Hedgehog typically coincides with the monsoon or post-monsoon period when environmental conditions are more favorable and food is abundant. Courtship may involve vocalizations, scent cues, and following behavior, as seen in related species. After mating, the female builds a concealed nest or burrow where she gives birth to a litter of up to 4–6 young. Gestation is estimated to last between 30 and 40 days, although exact figures for this species are poorly documented. The young are born blind and spineless, gaining their first soft spines within hours of birth and opening their eyes after 2 to 3 weeks. Weaning occurs around 4 to 6 weeks of age. Sexual maturity is typically reached within the first year of life, and the average lifespan in the wild is believed to be between 3 and 5 years, though this may vary depending on predation and environmental stressors.

Threats & conservation status

Currently, the Indian Long-eared Hedgehog is not considered globally threatened and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, localized threats do exist. Habitat degradation due to agriculture, overgrazing, and urban expansion may reduce suitable nesting and foraging areas. Pesticide use in agricultural zones could indirectly impact the hedgehog by reducing prey availability and causing secondary poisoning. Road mortality is an increasing concern as infrastructure expands into previously undisturbed habitats. In some regions, the species is hunted or captured for use in traditional medicine or local beliefs, though the scale of this practice is unclear. Because the species lives in politically and environmentally diverse regions, its conservation status may shift rapidly depending on local management practices. There are no species-specific conservation programs currently in place.

This species in captivity

The Indian Long-eared Hedgehog is rarely kept in captivity and is not known to be part of any widespread breeding programs. It has not entered the international pet trade to any significant extent, and its legal status varies by region. In the few known cases of captivity, animals have required warm, dry enclosures with deep bedding suitable for burrowing and a diet rich in live insects. Captive individuals may be prone to stress and require minimal handling, as well as environmental enrichment that mimics natural behaviors. Due to its small size and elusive nature, the species is not commonly exhibited in zoos or research facilities. If future conservation needs arise, captive breeding efforts would require a better understanding of its reproductive and social needs.