The Maltese hedgehog is a small mammal found in Malta that rolls into a ball when frightened. There are two color varieties and they primarily eat beetles. Hedgehogs live in agricultural areas and near Ghajn Tuffieha but are threatened by habitat loss to development and road deaths. They are also endangered by pesticides reducing their food supply, and cannot be kept as pets under Maltese law.

1. The Maltese Hedgehog

4. The hedgehog is a cute little animal and it is a mammal. In Maltese it is called “Qanfud.”

6. It has spines on its back and usually rolls up into a ball when it is frightened or in danger.

7. My friend is rolled up in a ball…maybe he is afraid.

9. There are two types of hedgehogs in Malta. These are pale and dark in colour.

10. Maltese hedgehogs love to eat beetles and they are very clean animals.

11. In Malta this cute animal is associated with someone who is tidy and keeps his environment spic and span.

12. They are mostly found near agricultural areas. Sometimes, hedgehogs are also found at Għajn Tuffieħa.

14. Unfortunately these cute animals are victims of road casualities. Since roads are often close to their habitat areas, they wonder on to these roads and often end up being run over by cars or motors.

15. People need to be aware of this especially in areas with heavy traffic close to areas were the hedgehog lives especially during the night.

16. Hedgehogs are also in danger because many people are destroying the habitat were the hedgehog lives to build houses and other buildings and so this animal is not finding a place to live.

17. This animal lives in fields. Farmers who own fields are using pesticides and insecticides to kill insects and worms which harm their crops and so the hedgehog is dying because his food is becoming poisonous.

18. The hedgehog is protected by law in Malta and people cannot catch it and keep it as a pet.

20. The hedgehog is protected by law in Malta and people cannot catch it and keep it as a pet.

21. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals that roam at night in search for food. At Springtime, it is common to see adult hedgehogs walking around followed by their young ones.

23. Autumn is a lovely season..I find leaves in the fields.

25. Eating is my hobby…this keeps me living.

26. I love climbing…it is my favourite game…!

27. I’m in the grass…sometimes I hide here too when I sense danger.