and around human settlements (sometimes in cultivated habitats). They live in burrows that they dig under bushes with a length of 45 cm long with only one opening. They may also inhabit abandoned burrows of other small mammals. They are nocturnal solitary hedgehogs. During the day they are found resting under rocks, hollows or rock piles. Reproduction The long-eared hedgehog only breeds once a year in the summer months of July through September. The presence of spines does not inhibit this species ability to reproduce. Long-eared hedgehogs gestation period is 35–42 days. The female has 8–10 nipples and often has 2–3 babies. After just one week the babies start eating solid food. They are born with very few spines and within five hours after birth the spines have doubled in size. After two weeks the babies are fully covered with their new spines. Impact Long eared hedgehogs can be agriculturally beneficial since they eat harmful organisms like termites and scorpions. They are not found to damage crops since they live in areas that are mostly waste land and desert. References long-eared hedgehog Mammals of Central Asia Mammals of Western Asia Mammals of Afghanistan Mammals of Azerbaijan Fauna of Iran Fauna of Egypt Fauna of Libya long-eared hedgehog