Microscopic research

The microscopic research focusses on studying the structure and pigmentation in quills and hairs from different species of hedgehogs and tenrecs. Over the years we have collected a lot of samples from various species all over the world and we still do! If you want to contribute samples, please read the paragraph below.

How to contribute

Do you have hedgehogs or tenrecs in your facility? We are still looking for a lot of species to add to our research! Click here for the updated list of species we need samples of to complete our research. You can collect hairs and quills from both hedgehogs and tenrecs easily by just waiting! The animals shed quills and hairs throughout their lifetimes and you can just pick them up from the bedding and send them over to us. We do need a bit of incormation about the samples. So grab a pen and paper to list down the following:

Species of the sample
Quills or hairs
Male or female
Color, if applicable to the species
Age

Also list your full name and a contact email on the paper, so we can let you know when we’ve received and processed your sample. Put the quills and/or hairs in a small ziplock bag OR stick them to a piece of clear tape onto a piece of paper. You can send the sample to our address listed in the footer of our website.