Daurian hedgehog

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Daurian hedgehog is a small mammal of the order insectivores family with a rod of iron. The name animal comes from the word Dauriya (second name – Daur land) – the historical name of the territory of TRANS-Baikal and the lands West of the Amur region, where the urchins dwell. Listed in the Red book of Russia, as a species, which is poorly understood and whose status is not defined.Appearance
The maximum size of the Daurian hedgehog 30cm, in the autumn before the winter hibernation can weigh 1400 grams. It is a small animal with highly outstretched muzzle and small ears, small eyes-beads and short but strong needles. The needles had less spiny than in the common hedgehog, because not directed up and back and have longitudinal striations. Color Daurian hedgehogs can be from light beige to dark brown. Moreover, the abdomen is always darker than the upper body and head, which have a light wheat color. The hair on the belly and on the face hard and short. Legs small but massive, with small sharp claws.

Habitat
Daurian hedgehog it inhabits steppes, forest-steppes and taiga in the zone of Transbaikalia. Also the distribution area captures the North China and northeast Mongolia. Daurian hedgehogs mainly live in deciduous, mixed and pine forests, distributed in steppes and forest-steppes with rare and low grasses occur on the territory of semi-desert and on the outskirts of settlements and in agricultural areas.
The character and behavior
Daurian hedgehog eats various types of insects (ants, beetles, bugs), eggs, nestlings, amphibians, berries and small mammals (mice, hamsters). The area of fodder area in females and males is very different and the largest and most powerful males can reach 400 hectares. hedgehogs Live in small holes left by the various rodents in the shelters under rocks, in the crevices of the soil. Prefer dry weather and in the rain hiding in the shelter, are twilight, evening and night lifestyle. In the winter go dormant, during which lose about 30% of the total recruited during the summer and autumn weight. Wake up around mid-April. Lead a sedentary and lonely lifestyle, creating only a few during the rut. The basic enemy of the Daurian hedgehog include wolves, foxes, badgers, ferrets and birds of prey. Sensing danger, the hedgehog rolls up into a ball and can stay in this position for a long time.
The number of individuals
Currently, the estimated number of Daurian hedgehog is estimated at 500-600 thousand individuals. Major threats to populations of these animals scientists consider anthropogenic factors in forest and steppe fires, the application of poisonous chemicals, harvesting and maintenance of dogs not on a leash. Often there are times when hedgehogs are killed under the wheels of cars or under the hooves of cattle. The natural reasons for the decline in hedgehogs is the increasing number of predators.

Rasnoyarsk immediately after Daurian hedgehogs come out of hibernation, they begin the breeding period, which occurs at the end of April – beginning of may. A pregnant female constructs a special nest chamber, expanding the existing hole. Pregnancy lasts about a month, usually born in a litter of 5-8 pups. The first time hoglets trying to leave his mother, but after a few months toddlers are completely independent, and by 10-12 months to reach sexual maturity. Under natural conditions the lifespan of Daurian hedgehogs for about 5 years. In captivity with proper proper care live up to 8 years.

Security
Daurian hedgehog is included in the International Red book and the Red book of the Russian Federation. Very much his numbers declined in the 60-ies, when carried out active measures for the destruction of the Mongolian marmot and other rodents that were carriers of the plague. Actively used a variety of poisons, chemicals and pesticides that have poisoned a huge number of hedgehogs. And although now Daurian hedgehog is not in urgent need of protection measures, the scientists monitor his population and control the numbers of this animal. In Daursky reserve holds special events for the protection of the Daurian hedgehog and monitor its way of life. The conservation of this species contributes to carrying out various measures aimed at the reduction of forest and steppe fires, and to prohibit the use of various chemicals and fertilizers in the implementation of agricultural work.