Mammal

Indian Hedgehog

Paraechinus micropus

Also known as Pale Hedgehog

Indian hedgehogs are nocturnal desert dwellers perfectly suited to arid scrublands, spending the scorching daylight hours sheltered inside deep burrows or beneath thorny thickets. When twilight arrives, they emerge to forage tirelessly across sandy dunes, using their sharp sense of smell to dig up insects and scorpions. If threatened, they roll into a tight defensive ball of needle-sharp spines and emit loud, hissing puffs of air to deter potential predators.

NocturnalDesertSpiny

—observations

—countries

—peak records

Least ConcernConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyGround Beetles, Scorpions, Termites

Predators

Red Fox
Eagle-Owl
Golden Jackal

ThreatsHabitat loss from agricultural expansion, road mortality, and occasional poaching

HabitatsSandy deserts, arid scrublands, semi-arid grasslands, and agricultural margins

Life span4–7 years in the wild

Classification

FamilyErinaceidae
SpeciesParaechinus micropus

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Sharp spines and defensive bites can occur if handled; observe from a respectful distance.
Why it is dangerous: Equipped with dense, pointed keratin spines across the crown and mantle, and capable of inflicting painful bites if seized.
How to recognize a risky encounter: Look for a stocky body with speckled pale-and-dark spines, broad ears, and a distinct mask-like facial marking.
What to do: Do not attempt to pick up or trap wild hedgehogs; admire their movement from several steps back.

Responsible observation

Spotlighting: Use a dim red light when scanning open sandy tracks at night to avoid disorienting them.
Give Space: Avoid touching or cornering an individual, allowing it to uncurl and resume foraging naturally.

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