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The African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) is sometimes also referred to as the four-toed hedgehog. This African native prefers the arid, desert conditions found in southern Africa, but is a common species in the pet trade despite its natural preference for the desert biome. These small hedgehogs average just more than 21 ounces in weight and about 7 to 9 inches long when fully relaxed. Their life span can depend on a number of factors and varies greatly in captivity and the wild.
Life Expectancy
The small, oval African pygmy hedgehogs can live approximately a decade in captivity, although their lives are often much shorter, lasting only four to six years. In the wild, their relatively short lives are often dabbled with multiple matings -- these small guys will breed once or twice per year given the proper climatic conditions.
Photo Credits
- Donna Day/Photodisc/Getty Images