The long-eared hedgehog Hemiechinus auritus
This charming little creature is distinctive due to its long ears that are much larger than that of other hedgehogs (they are longer than half the length of its head); the length of the ears may reach 5 cm. The long-eared hedgehog inhabits different types of dry steppes, semi-deserts and deserts. It feeds mainly on small invertebrates and insects, with favourite foods being beetles, ants, and grasshoppers. Long-eared hedgehogs may also consume berries, fruit, seeds, and even small vertebrates such as lizards and snakes. These hedgehogs may survive without food or water for long periods. When threatened, they usually do not curl up into a ball but rather lower the head, produce a cat-like hiss, and try to attack the enemy with their quills. Long-eared hedgehogs have some resistance to overheating and toxins such as bee, wasp, and snake venoms; for instance, the resistance of the long-eared hedgehog to adder venom is 45 times higher than that of a Guinea pig of the same size.
