Hedgehog Hunting

Last weekend we had a new adventure! We joined a couple of researchers from the Qatar University who are studying Ethiopian Hedgehogs in Qatar. Apparently these critters have been in Qatar for decades.

First we practiced holding baby hedgehogs that were just 52 days old. They are a bit prickly but sit quietly for several minutes.


Then we went to a farm maintained by the Ministry of Agriculture for growing palm trees. On this farm there are wild hedgehogs. Our task was to quietly wait in the dark for a hedgehog to move. When we spotted a running hedgehog we also ran after it and gently tapped it on the back. This causes the grown hedgehog to roll into a ball with its spikes out (protecting itself). We then picked up the hedgehog to allow the researchers to check its antennae and tracking system. Then we gently returned it to the ground where it unfurled and ran away again.

Tim and Max were successful at spotting and chasing down a hedgehog. When it is closed up a hedgehog's head and underbelly is completely invisible! It is like a prickly ball and does not move.

We also saw a couple of desert foxes, a wild peacock high up in a tree, large lizard holes, and many evening birds. It was a fun evening!