Egyptian Long-eared Hedgehog

Coat and looks how to spot one

Spines and fur

The back is covered in sharp spines that are banded dark brown and white, with pale or sandy tips that help camouflage the animal in its arid habitat. The underbelly is soft, whitish or cream fur. The most striking feature is the very large ears, which can be over half the length of the head and help with heat regulation and hearing. The face is pointed with a long snout, and the legs are relatively long for a hedgehog, allowing fast running.13

Personality what they are like

Egyptian Long-eared Hedgehogs are intelligent, curious and generally solitary. They are prey animals and may be nervous at first, but they can learn to trust their owner and become friendly. Unlike many other hedgehogs, they are more likely to run away or leap at a threat than curl into a tight ball. They are not naturally social with other hedgehogs and should be housed alone. They are best suited to experienced keepers who can respect their wild instincts.536

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Nocturnal and active; they can wander up to 9 km a night in the wild. In captivity they need plenty of space for nocturnal activity, a solid exercise wheel (which may be noisy), and environmental enrichment such as tunnels, digging substrates and hiding places. They also benefit from mazes and puzzle toys to keep their intelligent minds occupied.15

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Cage hygiene is the most important factor. The enclosure should be lined with soft paper bedding or paper towels (never a wire floor). Regular spot-cleaning and full cage cleans are needed to prevent health problems. They do not require bathing unless dirty, and their nails may need occasional trimming. A specialist exotic vet should be available.56

Home where they are happiest

A warm, dry environment is essential. The minimum cage size is 24 x 24 inches (61 x 61 cm), but larger is better. They need lateral space rather than height, though low platforms can add interest. The enclosure must have a solid bottom, soft bedding, a hidey house, and an exercise wheel. They are solitary and must be housed alone. In some countries, keeping this species may be regulated or require a permit; always check local laws.53

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Primarily insectivorous. In the wild they eat grasshoppers, beetles and other insects, plus eggs, fruit, vegetables and small vertebrates. In captivity they need a varied, insect-rich diet including crickets, mealworms, morio worms and cockroaches, supplemented with a high-quality hedgehog or insectivore food. Mealworms can be used as a treat for hand-feeding to maintain tameness. Fresh water must always be available.16

Company who they like around

Solitary by nature. They do not need or want company from other hedgehogs and should be kept alone. They can become tame with regular, gentle handling, but they are not a cuddly pet and may always retain some wild instincts. They may be wary of cats and dogs, so any introductions must be supervised. This species is not recommended for beginners or families with young children.536

The story where it all began

The Egyptian Long-eared Hedgehog was first described scientifically in 1770 by Johann Friedrich Gmelin. It is one of the few non-domesticated hedgehog species regularly kept as a pet. All individuals in the current captive population descend from wild-caught animals imported between roughly 2000 and 2010. Although they are now mostly captive-bred, the species is still considered non-domesticated because of its short history under human care. They retain strong wild instincts and are generally less tolerant of handling than domesticated hedgehog breeds such as the African Pygmy Hedgehog.37