Algerian hedgehog (Atelerix algirus Lereboullet, 1842) habitat selection at the northern limit of its range

Abstract

The Algerian hedgehog is an endemic, Mediterranean, insectivorous mammal which inhabits North Africa, the Eastern Iberian Peninsula, the Canary and Balearic Islands and several Mediterranean islands. Given evidence of population declines coupled with the limited information available on this species, studies are needed to contribute to a better understanding of this hedgehog. With this aim, and in particular to understand biological aspects as well as those of habitat selection, 14 Algerian hedgehogs were radio tracked in the species’ northern limit of distribution, (Baix Llobregat, a coastal district lying a few kilometres south of Barcelona City) between 2007 and 2010. The results showed that Algerian hedgehogs positively selected open grass areas and scrubs, and used fields when available, while rejecting forest and urban areas. No evidence for sex or age related patterns emerged from the data regarding home range size and overlap between individuals, although adult males have larger home ranges and move longer distances per hour than females.