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| Brandt's hedgehog | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Eulipotyphla |
| Family: | Erinaceidae |
| Genus: | Paraechinus |
| Species: | P. hypomelas |
| Binomial name | |
| Paraechinus hypomelas (Brandt, 1836) | |
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| Brandt's hedgehog range | |
Brandt's hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas) is a species of deserthedgehog native to parts of theMiddle East andCentral Asia.[2] Its common name derives from its having first been described byJohann Friedrich von Brandt, a director of the Zoological Department at theSt Petersburg Academy of Sciences.
Brandt's hedgehog is approximately the size of theWest European hedgehog (about 500–1,000 g (18–35 oz) in weight and 25 cm (9.8 in) in length), but has distinctively large ears (similar to thelong-eared hedgehog), and is a much faster runner, due to lighter needle protection. Unlike the long-eared hedgehog, however, it is predominantlynocturnal.[citation needed]
The first and only study of the Brandt's hedgehog histological skin characteristics found three layers of skin the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis;[3] while previous studies of other hedgehogs sited only two.[4]
Brandt's hedgehog prefers arid desert areas and mountains. It often uses natural shelter, although it is still capable of digging dens when absolutely needed. Ithibernates during colder weather.[citation needed]
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