Mammal

Southern African Hedgehog Sightings

Atelerix frontalis

PredatorSeen in 3 parks

Want to know where and when to find Southern African Hedgehog right now? opspoor tracks live, verified sightings across South Africa's parks.

About the Southern African Hedgehog

The southern African hedgehog is a small nocturnal insectivorous mammal recognised by its compact body and coat of protective spines. It occurs mainly in grassland, savanna, fynbos and other habitats with suitable ground cover. It feeds primarily on insects and other invertebrates but may also consume small vertebrates, eggs and plant material. When threatened, it curls into a tight ball with its spines exposed, providing effective protection against many predators.

How to identify the Southern African Hedgehog

Small, compact hedgehog with a pointed snout, small ears and a back covered in short, dense spines. The face and underside are covered in coarse fur, and the colouring is generally brownish-grey with a paler underside.

Did you know?

Southern African Hedgehogs can curl into a tight ball when threatened, presenting a defensive covering of sharp spines to potential predators.

Also known as: Hedgehog, Krimpvarkie

Parks where you can see the Southern African Hedgehog

Recent Southern African Hedgehog sightings

No public sightings here yet — check back soon.

Planning a South Africa safari? opspoor tracks real, verified wildlife sightings like these across the country's parks — logged by people on the ground, not guesswork. It all works with zero signal, too, so a dead zone deep in the bush never costs you a sighting.