Hedgehog Species Research Articles

Western European hedgehog's (Erinaceus europaeus) head arteries.

The Western European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a small, nocturnal, insectivorous mammal native to Europe. The aim of the study was to describe the arterial supply to the head of the Western European hedgehog in detail and compare it with known vascular patterns found in mammals. In the study, 30 specimens of adult Western European hedgehogs were used. Three different angiological techniques were used to obtain the full image of arterial vascularization of the head in the described species - latex preparation, corrosion cast and contrast-enhanced cone-beam computed tomography. The last of them is a method also used in veterinary practice, which makes the description useful not only to anatomists, but also veterinary clinicians. The most important features of the study are: the species has an interesting, individually specific course of the stapedial artery, in which two different variants have been found. In one of them the vessel provides blood as far as the orbit, but in the other one ends at the temporal region; the auricular region is supplied by branches from the superficial cervical artery; there is no maxillary artery; the occipital artery originates from the internal carotid artery. The results of this work may contribute to establishing new veterinary protocols for the species that is declining in number in many countries and is treated by veterinarians in wildlife rehabilitation centers. It may be also used by clinicians who work with other species of hedgehogs kept as pets.

Genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in the North African hedgehog (Atelerix algirus) in the Canary Islands, Spain.

The North African hedgehog (Atelerix algirus) is an introduced species from Northwest Africa and is currently distributed in the Canary Islands. This species of hedgehog has been studied as a reservoir of enteropathogens, including Cryptosporidium spp. However, there are no data at species level. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify the Cryptosporidium species present in a population of hedgehogs (n = 36) in the Canary Islands. Molecular screening was performed using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene of Cryptosporidium spp. Seven of the 36 fecal samples (19.45%) were positive and confirmed by nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene and Sanger sequencing. Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium muris were identified in 11.1% (4/36) and 5.6% (2/36) of the samples, respectively, while one sample could only be identified at the genus level. The zoonotic subtypes IIdA15G1 (n = 1), IIdA16G1b (n = 1), and IIdA22G1 (n = 1) of C. parvum were identified by nested PCR followed by analysis of the 60kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene sequence. This study is the first genetic characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in A. algirus, identifying zoonotic species and subtypes of the parasite.

The macromorphological structure of the rhomboid brain of the whitebellied hedgehog

The nervous system is one of the leading integrating systems of the body. In combination with the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, it unites the body into a single whole. The nervous system controls the level of adaptive reactions of a living organism to changing environmental conditions. The white-bellied hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is a representative of the order of insectivorous animals. The purpose of our study is to study the macromorphology of individual anatomical structures of the brain of the white-bellied hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris). The material for the study was three heterosexual animals of the white-bellied hedgehog species (Atelerix albiventris) aged 1-4 years, obtained from private veterinary clinics. The methods used to study the brain of the white-bellied hedgehog included: fine anatomical dissection, morphometry, photography, and weighing. The work was carried out at the Department of Animal Anatomy of the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine. The brain of the whitebellied hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) (Figure 1, 2.) is arranged in accordance with the general plan of the structure of the mammalian brain, however, it is distinguished by the primitiveness of its development and is classified as lissencephalic in appearance. The average weight of cadaver material from females and males was 200.00±16.09 grams. There was no statistically significant difference between the body weight of females and males. It was also found that the caudal colliculi of the quadrigeminal are comparatively smaller than the cranial colliculi in both sexes, which allows us to conclude that the visual analyzer is relatively better developed in this species than the auditory one. The obtained materials can be used as reference material for continuing research on the brain of the white-bellied hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), as well as in comparative morphology and physiology of humans and animals.

Macro‐anatomical investigations on the skeleton of the Egyptian hedgehog (Hemiechinus auratus aegyptius)

AbstractThe skeletal anatomy of wild animals plays a major role in their adaptation to their habitats. Information regarding the skeletal architecture of the Egyptian long‐eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auratus aegyptius), a terrestrial and nocturnal insectivorous mammal, was lacking. Current work described the detailed bone formation of this species' skeleton grossly and morphometrically. Skeletons of five adults, apparently healthy hedgehogs of both sexes, aged 10 ± 2 months, were obtained. Preparation of the bones was accomplished by using a hot water maceration procedure. The skull was elongated. The external sagittal crest and temporal lines were unclear. The mental foramen was ventral to P2. The angular process of the mandible was large. The vertebral formula was C7, T13, L6, S3, Ca 13–15. The transverse foramen was absent in the seventh cervical vertebra. The sternum was formed of five sternal segments. There was a supratrochlear foramen on the distal part of the humerus diaphysis, connecting the radial and the olecranon fossae. The radius and ulna were fused by connective tissue. The carpals had three bones in the proximal row and four bones in the distal row. There were five metacarpals with five digits. The acetabulum was circular and had deep acetabular fossa. The foramen obturatum was ovoid. The pelvic symphysis was confined only to the ischium. The greater trochanter of the femur was lower than the level of the femoral head. The trochanteric fossa was deep and oval. Tibia and fibula fused distally. Two tarsals were in the proximal row and four in the distal row. There were five metatarsals with five digits. These findings provide the anatomical basis for understanding the adaptation mechanisms of this hedgehog species to their feeding habits and habitats and aim to help veterinarians, taxonomists, and wildlife biologists' in future biomedical and comparative skeletal anatomical studies.

Helminth diversity and seasonality of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in hedgehogs from Mallorca.

Sentinel surveillance plays a critical role in monitoring pathogen circulation, assessing potential threats for species conservation, and evaluating the risk of spillover to human populations. This study provides a comprehensive exploration of helminth parasites in the Mediterranean-distributed hedgehog species Atelerix algirus in Mallorca, Balearic Islands. Using an integrated approach that combines necropsies and morphological and molecular identifications using the COI gene, we identified 11 helminth taxa in 135hedgehogs, representing half of those that died at the local wildlife hospital in Mallorca between 2019 and 2022. We report an overall A. cantonensis prevalence of 11.5% and confirm the first case of a subclinical neuroangiostrongyliasis infection in a wildlife host. Infection prevalences over the year revealed that only two species, the nematode A. cantonensis and the cestode Mathevotaenia sp., had a seasonal pattern, with most A. cantonensis cases occurring in autumn and, to a lesser extent, Mathevotaenia sp. cases in winter. This pattern is probably due to the higher abundance and greater activity of snails and slugs (intermediate hosts) during these seasons, with important implications for public health and strategies for prevention of neuroangiostrongyliasis. Other key findings include a high prevalence (88.1%) of the lungworm Crenosoma striatum and detection of the acanthocephalan Moniliformis saudi for the first time in A. algirus. We anticipate that our study will facilitate surveillance efforts and clarify species identities in future studies. Given the lethal effects of A. cantonensis infection in hedgehogs, further studies are needed to evaluate the threat this parasite represents to European wildlife.

Fossil insectivorous mammals (Eulipotyphla) of the southern Pre-Urals (Bashkortostan, Russia)

Seven species of red-toothed shrews (Sorex araneus, Sorex isodon, Sorex tundrensis, Sorex caecutiens, Sorex minutus, Sorex minutissimus, Neomys fodiens), white-toothed shrews (Crocidura sp.), moles (Talpa sp.) and hedgehogs (Erinaceus sp.) were found in Late Pleistocene and Holocene deposits of the southern part of the western slope of the Ural Mountains. In the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene deposits, the red-toothed shrews were dominated by S. tundrensis. This species disappeared from the area by the Late Holocene, when S. araneus became the predominant species. Smaller mandibular sizes have been registered for S. araneus in the Middle and Late Holocene, as compared to the sizes of older samples. The morphometric criteria have been established for a species differential diagnosis of the Late Pleistocene – Early Holocene mandibular samples of S. araneus and S. tundrensis, found in local deposits of the southern Pre-Urals area studied.

Hedgehog Dermatophytosis: Understanding Trichophyton erinacei Infection in Pet Hedgehogs and Its Implications for Human Health.

Pet hedgehogs, which are increasingly favoured companions, have garnered attention due to their potential as carriers of zoonotic diseases. These small insectivorous mammals, native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, are commonly kept as pets. The encroachment of humans into hedgehog habitats has brought these animals closer to people, raising concerns about disease transmission. This article reviews the current knowledge regarding zoonotic disease associated with pet hedgehogs, with a particular focus on mycotic infections caused by Trichophyton erinacei. Data from various regions and hedgehog species are synthesised to assess the significance of pet hedgehogs as potential reservoirs and transmitters of zoonotic pathogens. Our study highlights the importance of understanding the health risks associated with pet hedgehogs and underscores the need for continued research to mitigate zoonotic disease transmission from these potentially disease-carrying companions.

Characterization of the Small Intestine in the Southern White-breasted Hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) Using Histological, Histochemical, Immunohistochemical, and Scanning Electron Microscopic Techniques.

The present study was designed to investigate the microscopic features of the small intestine in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor). The histochemical profile of the small intestine was investigated using periodic acid Schiff (PAS), alcian blue (AB, pH 2.5), and aldehyde fuchsin. The expression of SOX9 was also evaluated immunohistochemically, and the detailed morphology of intestinal mucosa was studied by using a scanning electron microscope. The intestinal wall was composed of the tunica mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis, and tunica serosa. Plica circulares and muscularis mucosa were present only in the duodenum. The jejunal villi were the tallest and the ileal villi were the shortest. From the duodenum to the ileum, the population density of goblet cells decreased significantly. The goblet cells throughout the small intestine reacted positively with PAS and AB. The expression rate of SOX9 was not statistically different between the three parts of the small intestine (p > 0.05). In conclusion, despite the general characteristics of the small intestine in this species of hedgehog, there were some differences when compared with other mammalian and rodent species. These findings provide a baseline for future detailed research on the digestive system of the hedgehog species and other mammalian species.

The late Miocene Erinaceidae and Dimylidae (Eulipotyphla, Mammalia) from the Pannonian region, Slovakia

Abstract The families Erinaceidae and Dimylidae are represented in the late Miocene localities of Slovakia (Borský Svätý Jur, Krásno, Pezinok, Šalgovce, Studienka, and Triblavina) by at least six hedgehog species—‘Schizogalerix’ voesendorfensis (Rabeder, 1973); Schizogalerix cf. S. moedlingensis (Rabeder, 1973); Lantanotherium sanmigueli Villalta and Crusafont, 1944; Atelerix cf. A. depereti Mein and Ginsburg, 2002; Atelerix aff. A. depereti, cf. Postpalerinaceus sp. indet., and Erinaceinae gen. indet. sp. indet.—and two dimylid species—Plesiodimylus chantrei Gaillard, 1897; and Metacordylodon aff. M. schlosseri (Andreae, 1904). Material of L. sanmigueli from the western Carpathians was investigated, revealing broad variability in all samples. Additionally, the deciduous premolars of Lantanotherium Filhol, 1888 are described here for the first time. Erinaceid species are frequent in the Vallesian but their abundance strongly declined afterward. As an exception, Schizogalerix Engesser, 1980 re-entered the Danube and Vienna basins during MN11, likely from eastern Europe. Members of Erinaceinae display low diversity during the late Miocene of central Europe, which tends to support a pan-European diversity phenomenon. The humidity-dependent Dimylidae spp. were abundant during the late Vallesian. Rare finds of Plesiodimylus Gaillard, 1897 confirm the survival of this family into the early MN11 in the Pannonian region.

Zymogen granule protein 16-like and carboxypeptidase B, new allergens in hedgehog hypersensitivity

Pet ownership is becoming more and more common.1 Even most exotic ones such as hedgehog, seem to be getting fashionable. However they are not exempt from causing allergies. Hedgehogs are spiny mammals that belong to the subfamily Erinaceinae, order Erinaceomorpha. They are originally from Europe, Asia and Africa. There are 6 genera and 15 species of hedgehogs. Among these, the one most frequently encountered in captivity is the african pygmy hedgehog. Pygmy Hedgehog has been reported to prompt different symptoms ranging from nasal itching to urticaria or even respiratory problems.2,3To date, only 3 hedgehogs allergens have been described: carboxypeptidase, chitinase-like and chymotrypsin-like elastase family members (CELAs).3

High Prevalence of Microsporidia in the North African Hedgehog (Atelerix algirus) in the Canary Islands, Spain.

Microsporidia are unicellular eukaryotic obligate intracellular parasites with a wide range of hosts reported worldwide; however, little is known about the epidemiological data on microsporidia infection in animals from the Canary Islands. Since data on microsporidia infection in hedgehog species are scarce, the aim of this study was to analyze the presence and identity of microsporidia in a group of North African hedgehogs (Atelerix algirus) using microscopic and molecular methods. From December 2020 to September 2021, a total of 36 fecal samples were collected from naturally deceased hedgehogs from Tenerife and Gran Canaria. All samples showed spore-compatible structures (100%; 36/36) under microscopic analysis, of which 61.1% (22/36) were amplified via the nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and the partial sequence of the 5.8S rRNA gene. After Sanger sequencing and ITS analysis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in 47.2% (17/36) of the samples, identifying two novel genotypes (AAE1 and AAE2), followed by the detection of an undetermined species in 8.3% (3/36) and Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I in 5.6% (2/36) of the samples. This study constitutes the first report of microsporidia species in Atelerix algirus worldwide, highlighting the high prevalence of zoonotic species.

Erinaceomorpha and Soricomorpha (Mammalia) of the Miocene Tagay fauna (Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal, Eastern Siberia): A preliminary report

The current paper is a preliminary attempt to describe the eulipotyphlan fauna from the Early/Middle Miocene (MN5) Tagay-1 locality. Our results reveal one hedgehog species, Parvericius cf. P. buk (Erinaceinae), one desman species, Desmaninae gen. et sp. indet. (Desmaninae), three mole species, Quyania sp., Urotrichini gen. et sp. indet. and Yanshuella cf. Y. primaeva, one Desmanodon species (Talpidae incertae sedis) and three shrew species, Plesiosorex sp., Heterosorex sp. and Miosorex sp. (Plesiosoricidae, Soricidae). Therefore, the Tagay fauna is composed of European, Asian and North American genera. The desman remains are very similar to Late Miocene representatives of European Archaeodesmana, and represent the first Miocene record of Desmaninae in northern Asia. Our small mammal assemblage of the Tagay-1 section allows us to confirm the earlier reconstruction of the local palaeoenvironmental conditions as linked habitats such as closed forest and open ecotonal habitats preferred by ground-dwelling hedgehogs, shrew moles and shrews, and subterranean groups such as digging moles. The presence of desmans indicates flowing waters and probably wetland areas that would also be the favoured habitat of shrews.

Contrasting levels of hybridization across the two contact zones between two hedgehog species revealed by genome-wide SNP data.

Hybridization and introgression have played important roles in the history of various species, including lineage diversification and the evolution of adaptive traits. Hybridization can accelerate the development of reproductive isolation between diverging species, and thus valuable insight into the evolution of reproductive barrier formation may be gained by studying secondary contact zones. Hedgehogs of the genus Erinaceus, which are insectivores sensitive to changes in climate, are a pioneer model in Pleistocene phylogeography. The present study provides the first genome-wide SNP data regarding the Erinaceus hedgehogs species complex, offering a unique comparison of two secondary contact zones between Erinaceus europaeus and E. roumanicus. Results confirmed diversification of the genus during the Pleistocene period, and detected a new refugial lineage of E. roumanicus outside the Mediterranean basin, most likely in the Ponto-Caspian region. In the Central European zone, the level of hybridization was low, whereas in the Russian-Baltic zone, both species hybridise extensively. Asymmetrical gene flow from E. europaeus to E. roumanicus suggests that reproductive isolation varies according to the direction of the crosses in the hybrid zones. However, no loci with significantly different patterns of introgression were detected. Markedly different pre- and post-zygotic barriers, and thus diverse modes of species boundary maintenance in the two contact zones, likely exist. This pattern is probably a consequence of the different age and thus of the different stage of evolution of reproductive isolating mechanisms in each hybrid zone.

Patterns of adult tick parasitization of coexisting European (Erinaceus europaeus) and Algerian (Atelerix algirus) hedgehog populations in eastern Iberia

The availability of data regarding population abundance and dynamics of ticks in wild vertebrate populations is crucial to understand the host-tick relationship and to assess the risk for domestic animals and humans from possible zoonotic diseases. In this study we analyse several host-intrinsic and environmental factors affecting the tick population of two sympatric hedgehog species (the European and the Algerian hedgehog) in two differently anthropized habitats in eastern Spain. We captured 215 hedgehogs and sampled 356 adult ticks of four different species (Rhipicephalus sanguineus, R. turanicus, R. bursa and R. pusillus). We analysed by General Linear Mixed Models how the hosts’ species, sex, capture month and site and their interactions affected tick presence and tick load. Further, we carried out Spearman correlation tests to analyse how environmental temperature and precipitation affect tick presence and load on hedgehogs. We found that, in general, male hedgehogs were more infested than females. However, the effects of the different factors depended on the tick species, especially related to their endophilic or exophilic character. High values of general tick infestation can be explained by the coincidence of tick activity peaks and higher male host activity levels, especially within areas with higher habitat diversity and species richness. We also discuss how the potential immunosuppressive effect of testosterone could be affecting our results. Our results show that in highly anthropized environments hedgehogs potentially act as important mixing vessels for tick-borne zoonotic pathogens and that monitoring ticks in periurban wildlife is important to assess potential health risks for pets and humans.

Helminths of Erinaceus roumanicus (Eulipotyphla, Erinaceidae) in Mordovia (Russia) with an Overview of Helminth Fauna of Erinaceus spp. Inhabiting the Palaearctic Region

The helminth fauna of the Northern white-breasted hedgehog Erinaceus roumanicus was studied in the Republic of Mordovia (Russia) for the first time. In total, 9 species of helminths were found in 23 studied hedgehogs: Trematoda—Isthmiophora melis, Strigea strigis (metacercaria); Cestoda—Hymenolepis erinacei; Nematoda—Aonchotheca erinacei, Physaloptera clausa, Crenosoma striatum, Physocephalus sexalatus (juvenile), Agamospirura minuta (juvenile); and Acanthocephala—Nephridiorhynchus major. Four parasite species (the trematode I. melis, nematodes P. sexalatus, A. minuta, and the acanthocephalan N. major) were found in hedgehogs for the first time in Russia. An overview of the helminth fauna of four species of Erinaceus hedgehogs inhabiting the Palearctic region is given. A total of 54 parasite species were recorded across Erinaceus europaeus, E. roumanicus, E. concolor and E. amurensis: 14 trematodes, 6 cestodes, 27 nematodes, and 7 acanthocephalans. Among all the studied species of hedgehogs, E. europaeus (35 species) and E. roumanicus (36) have the richest helminth faunas. The diversity of the parasite communities of Erinaceus spp. is due to the wide distribution and varied diet of these mammals. Most of the helminths found in hedgehogs are transmitted along trophic chains. Hedgehogs are the final hosts for 39 species of parasites. For 15 helminth species, Erinaceus spp. are paratenic hosts. The majority of the hedgehog’s helminth fauna is formed by host-specific parasites, of which there are 13 species. Most of the hedgehog’s parasites in the Palaearctic are facultative (non-specific) species that parasitize in various vertebrate species. The helminth fauna of Erinaceus hedgehogs is most studied in Russia and Belarus, where 17 species of parasites are found in each country. The comparative analysis of the helminth faunas of Erinaceus spp. from various regions showed, on the one hand, the originality of the helminth fauna of each hedgehog species and, on the other, the similarity of the helminth fauna of these insectivores from various countries of the Palaearctic. These features are caused by similar lifestyles and diet peculiarities of every hedgehog species in various regions of the Palaearctic. A total of 12 of the 54 helminth species found in hedgehogs have medical and veterinary significance as causative agents of dangerous helminthiasis.

Discrimination of the sister hedgehog species Erinaceus concolor and E. roumanicus(Erinaceomorpha: Mammalia): a geometric morphometric approach

This study investigates skull variation between the two closely related hedgehog species, Erinaceus concolor and E. roumanicus by using geometric morphometric analyses based on 2-dimensional landmarks. For this purpose, a total of 68 specimens were evaluated: 54 E. concolor and 14 E. roumanicus. The results of PCA, ANOVA and MANOVA analyses showed significant shape differences between the species, especially for the dorsal cranium. Shape differences were most prominent on the neurocranium and viscerocranium regions of the dorsal surface of the cranium and in mandibular ramus and the premolar regions. DFA tests were statistically significant against the null hypothesis of equal species means and crossvalidation scores were high enough to distinguish the species. Regression analyses also showed highly significant allometric differences between the two species, for both crania and mandibles. Finally, this study indicates that E. roumanicus is not only present in the European part of Turkey, but also in northwestern Anatolia.

Evolutionary history of the two North African hedgehogs (Mammalia: Erinaceidae) Atelerix algirus and Paraechinus aethiopicus based on phylogeography and species distribution modelling

AbstractTwo species of hedgehogs are known to occur in northern part of Africa: the Algerian hedgehogAtelerix algirusand the Ethiopian hedgehogParaechinus aethiopicus. Within each species several subspecies were described based on morphometrical data and pelage coloration, but all these subspecies have enigmatic and unclear definitions. We investigated the phylogeographical history and taxonomy of these two species based on mitochondrial DNA data covering the entire geographical distribution ofA. algirusand the North African distribution ofP. aethiopicus. We also used climatic niche modelling to make inferences about their evolutionary history. Low genetic diversity was recovered in both species. While no phylogeographic pattern was found inP. aethiopicus, two haplogroups were identified withinA. algirus. This could be explained by the fact that continuous high or moderate climatic suitability occurred throughout most of the Saharan desert since the LGM (Last Glacial Maximum) for the first species, while during the LGM there were several disconnected areas of high climatic suitability forA. algirus: one in South-West Morocco, one at the coastal Moroccan-Algerian border and one in Tunisia-coastal Libya. Our genetic results confirm thatA. algirusrecently colonized Spain, Balearic and Canary Islands, and that this colonization was probably mediated by humans. Suitable climatic conditions occurred throughout most of the Southern and Eastern Iberian Peninsula during the last 6,000 years which could have favored the spatial expansion of the Algerian hedgehog after its arrival in Europe. According to our molecular results subspecific recognition within North Africa is unwarranted for both species.

Phylogeography of desert hedgehogs (Paraechinus aethiopicus) in Qatar: Implications for its intra-specific phylogeny and taxonomy

The desert hedgehog, Paraechinus aethiopicus, is the only indigenous hedgehog species in Qatar. We investigated the phylogeny and population structure of desert hedgehogs in Qatar for the first time using sections of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome-b and control regions. We found two distinct haplotypes in each mtDNA region within Qatar. However, they do not show a clear phylogeographic structure, suggesting that vicariance by distance over hyper-arid environments may not apply to this desert-adapted species. Nevertheless, the desert hedgehog in Qatar and the few specimens analysed to date from the Arabian Peninsula are genetically distinct from the desert hedgehog in North Africa which may warrant reclassification as a distinct species. Further research is needed, particularly within the Middle East to better understand the genetic diversity of the species and to aid future conservation and management decisions.

Hedgehogs as a Potential Source of Zoonotic Pathogens-A Review and an Update of Knowledge.

Simple SummaryUp to date studies indicate that wild hedgehogs may act as carriers and/or hosts for bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens with zoonotic potential, posing a significant threat to humans. The same applies to domestic hedgehogs, which are increasingly kept as pets. Considering the potential risk of infection to humans through close contact with hedgehogs or the contaminated environment they inhabit, current data on the prevalence of various zoonotic pathogens in these animals is desirable.Hedgehogs are small insectivorous mammals common across Europe, Asia, and Africa. The increased encroachment of humans into hedgehog habitats has disrupted the human-animal-environment interface. With growing interest in the zoonotic diseases of wildlife species, more studies have been devoted to this subject in the last few years. These papers provide information about known and new emerging diseases. Here we review the current knowledge regarding bacterial, viral, protozoic, and mycotic pathogens with zoonotic potential and assess the importance of hedgehogs as their carriers. Both wild and pet hedgehogs were included in the review. Data from several countries and various hedgehog species were included. The study shows the importance of hedgehogs as carriers of zoonotic diseases and reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens in varied habitats.

Molecular characterization of spiny hedgehogs of the Iberian Peninsula: the missing link in the postglacial colonization of the western European hedgehog

The western European hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus is the most representative species among spiny Iberian hedgehogs. The Algerian hedgehog Atelerix algirus and the four-toed hedgehog Atelerix albiventris are other spiny hedgehogs that can be found on the Iberian Peninsula. Whereas A. algirus has a limited distribution in a narrow stretch of east Iberia and a doubtful native/introduced origin, A. albiventris is considered an exogenous species potentially introduced because of their commercialization as pets. Because all three species are kept in captivity, we may found unpredictable phenotypic appearance of breeding specimens, making the use of molecular markers necessary to unequivocally identify hedgehog species. We used two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b and ribosomal 12S) to identify species that distributed on the Iberian Peninsula. We identified some Algerian hedgehogs, A. algirus, and delimited the current distribution of this specie to the eastern Iberian coast from Barcelona southwards. We found a few A. albiventris exemplars in natural populations, which represent the first record of this exotic species in Europe. We focused on gene diversity and phylogenetic analyses of the most abundant species E. europaeus and aimed to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships and putative routes of colonization from the Iberian glacial refuges. We found two divergent lineages of an ancient origin with a geographical pattern of distribution delimited by the Ebro River. The northeast lineage was indicated as the glacial refuge that contributed to a rapid postglacial colonization of west Europe from the Iberian Peninsula.