Eastern China’s Rare Black Hedgehog Becomes a New Science Enthusiast

Scientists have identified a new species of hedgehog. It is a dark brown creature that lives in the forests of eastern China.

In 2018, Kai He Researchers from Guangzhou University in China encountered strange-looking hedgehogs in Anhui and Zhejiang provinces. Compared to the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), these had dark brown fur and spines, and slightly larger ears.

After analyzing seven animals, including DNA samples, the researchers concluded that they belonged to a species that had not previously been described scientifically, which they named the species. Mesechinus orientalis.

The other four known species are mesechinus This genus is mainly found in northern China, Mongolia, and Russia, but this species M. Hugi I live in southwestern China.

“It is very interesting that this forest hedgehog was found more than 1000 kilometers from its known range,” he says.

They weigh just under 340 grams and have an average length of 18.8 centimeters. M. orientalis It is slightly smaller than other known hedgehogs of its genus.

Like other hedgehogs, M. orientalis They are nocturnal and tend to feed on insects and fruits. They also hibernate in the winter.

So far, the team has discovered M. orientalis In two provinces of China. However, based on the numbers recorded so far, they are not considered endangered, He said, estimating there are probably a few hundred individuals in these states. are doing.

There were only 17 known species of hedgehogs in the world, so “we were really happy to add one more species,” he says.

“For a real hedgehog geek like me, this is amazing news,” he says. Sophie Rand Rasmussen at Oxford University. “We look forward to learning more about the ecology of this species and whether this is different compared to other hedgehog species in the country.”