Long-eared hedgehog: Red Data Book of Armenia

Hedgehogs - Erinaceidae

Status. A rare species. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Endangered EN B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).

Distribution. Southeastern Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, Western Siberia, Caucasus.

Distribution in Armenia. The provinces of Syunik, Vayots Dzor, Ararat and Armavir, south and south–west of the Aragatsotn Province.

Habitats. Arid grasslands, semi–deserts and deserts. Avoids dense vegetation and cultivated lands. In mountains it is distributed up to 1355 m above sea level. The preference is given to vineyards, orchards and gardens.

Biological traits. Leads crepuscular and nocturnal life. Feeds mainly on invertebrates (earthworms, beetles, orthopterans) and also on lizards, seldom on small rodents and nestlings. The breeding season is prolonged. Pregnant females and the newborn are recorded from early spring to mid–summer. One to seven offspring are born blind and naked. Hibernates in winter.

Population size and its trends. Despite the wide range, in Armenia its population is quite small. Numbers in separate sub–populations continue to go down.

Major threats. Deterioration of typical habitats, alteration of vineyards and orchards, high road kill mortality and illegal harvesting.

Conservation measures. Protected in Khosrov Forest Reserve, Goravan Sands Sanctuary and Arevik National Park. It is essential to set up the speed limit signs on roads stretched across the hedgehog habitats and to set stringent measures against poaching.

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