Desert Hedgehog (Paraechinus aethiopicus)
This article is part of series of “protect our species” articles being published by Health, Safety and Environment Department as part of 2019 Earth Day celebrations with a focus on the wildlife found in Saudi Arabia and/or at KAUST.
Desert Hedgehogs are one of the smallest hedgehogs in the world. As they only reach 23 cm in length they will easily fit into most people’s hand. Although they are found across the Saharan and Arabian 
regions they are rarely seen because they are nocturnal. They spend their days hiding in their burrows to avoid the high daytime temperatures venturing out after dark to hunt for a meal, their favorite food is scorpions. After capturing one, the Desert Hedgehog bites off the sting before eating it. Their other main foods include bird eggs, invertebrates and baby snakes.
Desert Hedgehogs are supremely adapted to the harsh desert conditions. Their kidneys have evolved so that they need very little water. Another endearing adaptation is revealed when danger is near. They are able to freeze their muscles and then stretch their skin over their whole body. They then roll up into a ball with their spikes protecting them in every direction. Predators are usually unable to penetrate this defense and soon move away to seek an easier prey.
At KAUST, there has been one recorded sighting near King Abdullah Monument. Look out for this diminutive creature when you are next camping out in the Saudi desert.
