Who doesn't get excited at the sight of a hedgehog in the Maltese countryside? There's something about the little creatures that's simply fascinating - perhaps its how elusive, cute, or unusual they are? Let's look at the Maltese hedgehog more closely.

Meet the Maltese hedgehog

Scientific Name: Atelerix Algirus or Erinaceus Algirus

English: Algerian hedgehog

Maltese: Qanfud

Alright, so the hedgehog in Malta is not actually Maltese but Algerian. There are 17 different species of hedgehog around the world, but the only one found in the Maltese Islands is the Algerian hedgehog. It has a light-coloured face, a darker snout and distinctively, no spines on its head, with large ears and a brown or white belly. It grows to around 25cm. The Algerian hedgehog is found in Malta, Gozo, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Spain and France.

Hedgehogs are easily recognised by their spines, which are actually hollow hairs made of stiff keratin. The hedgehog's defence mechanism when threatened is to roll into a tight ball, causing the spines to protrude and ward off predators. The hedgehog is a nocturnal creature and feeds on insects and small vertebrates. In Malta, it often lives near rubble walls and can sometimes make a home in a drain pipe where residential areas are found near the countryside. Its life expectancy is around three to four years.

Did you know that the hedgehog is a protected species in Malta?

Sadly, the hedgehog's natural defence mechanism works against it when it comes to human encounters. Humans will generally be driving a car along a desolate country road when they come across hedgehogs. The little creature waddles across the road, stops in its tracks and curls into a ball upon sensing the headlights. So many are victims to cars while crossing the road that signs have been put up to warn drivers that they're passing through hedgehog habitat. In Malta, the hedgehog has a near threatened status and has been protected since 1993 through environmental legislation.

Xummiemu

The Maltese name for the hedgehog is qanfud yet many Maltese might say Xummiemu. The latter, however, is merely the name of a cartoon character on a mission. Xummiemu led the children of the 90s in a bid to protect the environment, with such fervor that he remains a Maltese icon long after he has retired to his burrow. However, Xummiemu's voice and his teachings continue to resonate on the lips of those who knew and loved him, carrying them to future generations!

Symbolism of the hedgehog

Seeing a hedgehog is a rare thing these days, and when we do, it feels like a treat! One night, a strange thing happened. I saw no less than four individual hedgehogs in different places on the same evening. Feeling I should give attention to these extraordinary encounters, I researched a little on the symbolism of the hedgehog, and was surprised by what I discovered. This little creature is seen by many cultures as a powerful symbolic punch. It symbolises: 

• Energy
• Vitality
• Fertility
• Intuition
• Protection
• Perception
• Intelligence
• Uniqueness
• Resourcefulness

The thinking behind it is that the hedgehog walks with its belly close to Mother Earth, and its tendency to curl up in the fetal position is perceived as a connection with the source. In Asia, the hedgehog is related with the gift of fire and abundance, as its spikes look much like the spanning rays of the sun. Its nocturnal habits, however, lend it a symbolism related to intuition and psychic ability, with a second sight that sees beyond the shadows. Furthermore, the hedgehog’s natural resistance to snake venom is perceived as a symbol of victory over evil and life after death, especially in Europe. The Greeks and the Romans attributed intelligence to the hedgehog, who cleverly knocked off grapes from their vines and rolled onto them, carrying away the grapes on their spines to dine on later.

So next time you see a hedgehog, consider what a special little creature it is. And allow it to remind you to follow your natural curiosity knowing you can face challenges in a calm, practical way and always land on your feet!