Amur hedgehog

Taxonomy

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Eulipotyphla
Family:	Erinaceidae
Genus:	Erinaceus
Species:	Erinaceus amurensis

Natural range & habitat

The Amur Hedgehog is native to parts of northeastern Asia, particularly the Russian Far East, northeastern China, and both North and South Korea. Its distribution overlaps in some areas with the European Hedgehog but is generally associated with cooler temperate zones. The species inhabits a variety of environments, including mixed woodlands, forest edges, meadows, farmlands, and suburban gardens. It prefers areas with dense ground cover or brush for nesting and protection. Like other hedgehogs, it avoids very wet or heavily forested regions where movement and foraging would be more difficult. The Amur Hedgehog is particularly adapted to colder climates and is one of the few hedgehog species found in areas with extended winter seasons and significant snowfall.

Physical traits

The Amur Hedgehog is medium to large in size, with adult individuals reaching lengths of 22 to 30 centimeters and weights ranging from 600 grams to over 1 kilogram depending on the season. It has a dense coat of sharp spines on its dorsal side, which are typically brown or grayish with lighter tips, while the fur on its face and underbelly is coarse and brownish or gray. It has a longer snout and slightly narrower skull compared to the European Hedgehog. The ears are short and rounded, and the limbs are well-muscled for digging and foraging. As in other species in the genus, there is no strong sexual dimorphism, although males may be slightly heavier during the breeding season. Individuals in colder regions develop thicker fat layers in autumn to survive hibernation.

Behavior & lifestyle

The Amur Hedgehog is a nocturnal and solitary animal that becomes active at dusk and forages during the night. It is primarily terrestrial and moves on the ground in search of food, nesting sites, or mates. The species is known to hibernate during the harsh winter months, often from late October until April, depending on the local climate. Before hibernation, it builds up substantial fat reserves and constructs a well-insulated nest underground, under brush piles, or in natural cavities. Its hibernation behavior is among the most prolonged of all hedgehog species due to the extreme cold in parts of its range. During the active season, it may travel considerable distances each night while foraging. The hedgehog is a proficient digger and uses burrows for daytime shelter and breeding.

Communication

Communication in the Amur Hedgehog, as in other hedgehogs, is primarily olfactory. Scent marking is used to define territories, identify individuals, and communicate reproductive status. The animal has well-developed scent glands that are likely located in the anal region, although detailed anatomical studies specific to this species are lacking. Acoustic signals include snorting, hissing, and grunting sounds, particularly during encounters with conspecifics or while foraging. During the breeding season, males may produce clicking or puffing sounds as part of courtship behavior. There is no evidence of complex vocal communication beyond these basic sounds. Visual communication is minimal, as the species relies mostly on smell and hearing in low-light environments.

Diet in the wild

The Amur Hedgehog is an insectivore and opportunistic omnivore, feeding primarily on invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, earthworms, and slugs. It also consumes small vertebrates, bird eggs, and fallen fruit when available. The diet varies seasonally depending on prey abundance, and individuals have been observed raiding compost heaps and gardens. In agricultural areas, the species may benefit from increased insect availability but is also at risk from pesticide use. Foraging involves rooting in leaf litter and soil using its mobile snout and sensitive sense of smell. Water is obtained from moist food or dew, and standing water is rarely used unless easily accessible.

Reproduction & life cycle

The breeding season for the Amur Hedgehog begins shortly after emergence from hibernation in the spring and lasts through early summer. Mating involves a characteristic circling behavior accompanied by huffing and snorting. After copulation, the male leaves and the female raises the offspring alone. The gestation period is estimated at 30 to 35 days, and litters typically consist of four to six hoglets. The young are born blind and with soft spines, which harden within a few days. Eyes open at around two weeks, and weaning occurs between four and six weeks of age. The young disperse soon after weaning and must prepare for hibernation by autumn. Sexual maturity is reached by the following spring. Lifespan in the wild is estimated to be up to five years, although most individuals do not reach that age due to predation and environmental hazards.

Threats & conservation status

The Amur Hedgehog is currently not considered globally threatened and has not been assessed separately by the IUCN. It is thought to have a stable population throughout most of its range, although local declines may occur due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and road mortality. In South Korea and northeastern China, rapid urbanization and agricultural intensification are reducing the availability of suitable habitat. Additionally, domestic dogs and feral animals can pose direct threats through predation or disturbance. Climate change may also influence hibernation patterns and food availability, although the specific impact on this species has not been studied. There are no known targeted conservation programs for this hedgehog, and it does not appear on any CITES appendices or national protection lists in most of its range.

This species in captivity

The Amur Hedgehog is rarely kept in captivity and is not a common pet species. It may be held in wildlife rehabilitation centers or research facilities within its native range, particularly in Russia and Korea. Due to its cold-adapted physiology and need for seasonal hibernation, it is not suitable for typical household environments and is not part of the exotic pet trade. Captive care requires environmental conditions that mimic seasonal cycles, including temperature control and provision for hibernation. Diet in captivity mirrors that of other insectivorous hedgehogs, with a focus on high-protein invertebrates and occasional supplementation with soft fruits or meat. Breeding in captivity has not been systematically studied, and there are no coordinated breeding programs or zoo populations. As such, the species remains poorly understood outside its natural habitat and is best conserved through habitat protection and field research.