The Maltese Hedgehog

The hedgehog is a cute little animal and it is a mammal. The Maltese hedgehog has an adorable little raccoon-like face, with beady little black eyes and a small pointy nose that seems to twitch constantly, checking out the different odors of the environment. Its little white tummy is extremely soft and is covered with short, white hair. It has a short, stubby tail, but this is rarely seen because they keep it tucked up close their bodies. With its tiny little legs and round bodies, it is a real sight to see it scurry across the ground. It has spines on its back and usually rolls up into a tight ball when it is frightened or in danger and in this position the hedgehog looks very much like a sea-urchin.

There are two types of hedgehogs in Malta. These are pale and dark in colour. Maltese hedgehogs love to eat beetles and they are very clean animals. In Malta this cute animal is associated with someone who is tidy and keeps his environment spic and span. They are mostly found near agricultural areas. Sometimes, hedgehogs are also found at Għajn Tuffieħa.

Unfortunately these cute animals are victims of road casualities. Since roads are often close to their habitat areas, they wander on to these roads and often end up being run over by cars or motors. People need to be aware of this especially in areas with heavy traffic close to areas were the hedgehog lives especially at night time.

Hedgehogs are also in danger because many people are destroying the habitat were the hedgehog lives to build houses and other buildings and so this animal is not finding a place to live. This animal lives in fields most of the time. Farmers who own fields are using pesticides and insecticides to kill insects and worms which harm their crops and so the hedgehog is dying because his food is becoming poisonous.

The hedgehog is protected by law in Malta and people cannot catch it and keep it as a pet. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals that roam at night in search for food. At springtime, it is common to see adult hedgehogs walking around followed by their young ones.

The Maltese Hedgehog

View more presentations from marantmag.