Brandt's hedgehog

Brandt's hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas) is a species of desert hedgehog native to parts of the Middle East and Central Asia.^[2] Its common name derives from its having first been described by Johann Friedrich von Brandt, a director of the Zoological Department at the St Petersburg Academy of Sciences.

Brandt's hedgehog
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Eulipotyphla
Family:	Erinaceidae
Genus:	Paraechinus
Species:	P. hypomelas
Binomial name
Paraechinus hypomelas (Brandt, 1836)
Brandt's hedgehog range

Description

Brandt's hedgehog is approximately the size of the West 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 the long-eared hedgehog), and is a much faster runner, due to lighter needle protection. Unlike the long-eared hedgehog, however, it is predominantly nocturnal.^{[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]

Habitat

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. It hibernates during colder weather.^{[citation needed]}