Read on and enjoy a variety of interesting information about hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are cute mammals which hold an incredibly interesting appearance. 82. They can eat snakes for dinner but they shouldn’t gobble any cheese as they’re lactose intolerant and will get a tummy ache. The African pygmy hedgehog is indeed a curious creature that is native to Africa but can be found in zoos (and homes) around the globe. Have fun. They are primarily insectivores, but will eat a variety of different animal and plant matter when available. Hedgehogs can travel up to 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) a day and move at a speed of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) per second. After mating, they usually go their separate ways. Interesting Facts About South Africa Geography And Sports: South Africa Facts. South Africa, officially known as Republic of South Africa is the African country located in the southern region of Africa. A hedgehog is a very active animal. They are found in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and were introduced in New Zealand by settlers. It is important to keep in mind, that hedgehogs are not a domestic animal, like cats and dogs. Fun Hedgehog Facts for Kids. These cute critters depend on their spines for defense, both while they sleep and when they face … The hedgehog was named because of its peculiar foraging methods. Weighing in at around 1 – 1.5 lbs (0.5 - 0.7 kg), this tiny little critter usually averages from 6-8 inches (15 - 20 cm) in length and has a pointed snout, round (dark) eyes, and unbarbed spines that serve as hair on their sides and backs. Here are 10 interesting facts about South Africa. South Africa Facts for Kids Learn some interesting information about South Africa while enjoying a range of fun facts and trivia that's perfect for kids! It may come as a surprise to learn that hedgehogs are mammals that have been living in Southern Europe and Africa for millions of years. 1. Check out our range of fun hedgehog facts for kids. He will require a large cage even though he is small. 10 Amazing, Fun & Interesting Facts About South Africa. Read more about the 11 official languages in South Africa and learn some fun South African slang words here. South Africa is a multiethnic society encompassing a wide variety of cultures, languages, and religions. By Alina Bradford - ... Atelerix algirus (North African hedgehog) Atelerix frontalis ... No, the US has not tested more people in 8 days than South Korea did in 8 weeks. Fun facts about hedgehogs. The country which had been an apartheid country recently hosted the FIFA world cup in 2010 but there are other fascinating facts about South Africa that you probably have not heard of before.. 2. With these 82 interesting facts about South Africa, let us learn more about its people, culture, wildlife, geography, history, industries; and some information and trivia about South Africa for kids. 3. Hedgehogs are mammals that have been around for millions of years. Part of the subfamily Erinaceinae, they sport an upturned nose and spines, otherwise known as modified hollow hairs which are stiffened.These spines are commonly known as hedgehog spikes. 10 Fun Facts about the African Penguin They are anointed. Read about South African wildlife, its coastline, major cities, languages, population, favorite sports and much more. These animals naturally live through most of Africa and in southern Europe. Learn about their protective spines, what they eat, where they live and much more. Four to six years is a normal life span, but a pet hedgehog can live up to ten years. They are nocturnal and spend most of … 1. There are 17 species of hedgehog. Have fun. 1. At night they leave their leafy daytime hide-outs, and venture into the open, relying on their good sense of smell and hearing. It can grow to be around six to nine inches long. It is a solitary animal and should live alone. 1. South Africa is … Check out our range of fun hedgehog facts for kids. Hedgehog Facts. South African coastlines are full of marine life such as sharks and dolphins, with more than 2000 different species visiting the area at some stage during the year. Read on and enjoy a variety of interesting information about hedgehogs. Their diet mostly consists of insects but they have been known to eat plants and other animals if need be. Hedgehogs share more of their lineage with shrews. Portuguese, Dutch, British, French and German explorers have traveled and populated southern Africa in the 17th and 18th century and therefore you can find many European influences in South Africa too. Hedgehogs are famous for their prickly spines, which they have everywhere except on their face, legs and bellies. Southern African Hedgehog (Atelerix frontalis) Appearance The hedgehog is characterised by the numerous sharp spines covering their backs that protect them against predators in the wild found in South Africa. South Africa is teeming with wildlife including animals such as a variety of monkey species, snakes, elephants, and lions, to name but a few. Learn about their protective spines, what they eat, where they live and much more. Hedgehogs as Pets The African pygmy hedgehog is the most common type sold as pets. Hedgehogs are insectivores.