Long-eared Hedgehog
Status: VIII category, Data Deficit, DD: R. Rare, vulnerable species, single occurrences known in southern Kyrgyzstan. In 1990, Prucha Kaler captured one specimen at an altitude of 1400 m above sea level in southern Kyrgyzstan and found remains of a skull in the pellets of an owl, which he attributed to the dark-eared hedgehog - Paraechinum hypomelas (more accurate name: Hemiechinus (Paraechinus) hypomelas Brandt, 1836 - long-eared hedgehog).
Distribution general and in the country. Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan. Within Kyrgyzstan, it likely inhabits the foothills of the southern regions - Osh, Batken, Jalalabad.
Habitat. Foothill steppes and semi-deserts, oases.
Population. Data is lacking.
Life style (life cycles). Not studied. Active from March to October, nocturnal, using burrows of rodents as shelters and for hibernation. Mating occurs in March-April, with 2-5 young born in May, which leave the nesting burrows in June. They reach sexual maturity after the first winter. Their diet mainly consists of insects, reptiles, and fruits [35].
Limiting factors. Anthropogenic: development of virgin lands, plowing, and irrigation of agricultural lands.
Breeding (keeping in captivity). Not bred.
Existing conservation measures. None.
Recommended conservation measures. Artificial breeding, protection in micro-reserves.
Brandt’s Hedgehog
Brandt’s Hedgehog
Hemiechinus (Paraechinus) hypomelas (Brandt, 1836)
Status: VIII category, Data Deficit, DD: R. Rare, vulnerable species, single occurrences known. Occurs in Osh, Batken, and Jalalabat oblasts. Prefers steppe and semi-deserts, oasis in foothills. No available data on numbers as well as on breeding biology. Usually active from March till October, nocturnal, mating season is March-April, females deliver 2-5 young hedgehogs. Uses for food insects, reptiles, fruits. Limiting factor is economic development of suitable habitats. No data on captivity breeding. It is recommended to breed it in captivity, establish micro-reservations.
