Common name: Desert Hedgehog
Scientific name: Paraechinus aethiopicus
Family: Erinaceidae

Size:
Body length: 14–28 cm
Weight: 250–600 g

Identification:
A small hedgehog with relatively large ears and a pale face. The spines are shorter and lighter in color compared to other hedgehogs, often appearing whitish or sandy with darker tips. The underside is pale, and the limbs are relatively long, giving it a slightly more agile appearance. Its large ears help dissipate heat in desert environments.

Habitat:
Arid and semi-arid environments including deserts, gravel plains, scrublands, and coastal areas. Often found in areas with loose soil or vegetation cover for shelter.

Status in the UAE:
Native but rarely seen. Present across suitable desert habitats, though populations are affected by habitat fragmentation.

Diet:
Omnivorous (mainly insectivorous) — feeds on insects, beetles, worms, small vertebrates, and occasionally scorpions and plant matter.

Behavior:
Nocturnal and solitary. Spends the day hidden in burrows or under vegetation. When threatened, curls into a tight ball with spines facing outward. Capable of covering large distances at night while foraging. Plays an important ecological role in controlling insect populations.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List), but locally vulnerable to habitat disturbance