Timings of hibernation and breeding of Ethiopian Hedgehogs, Paraechinus aethiopicus, in Qatar

Daily activity patterns of Ethiopian Hedgehogs (Paraechinus aethiopicus) were monitored during the winter months between November and March in Qatar under the natural light/temperature condition. The hedgehogs were strongly nocturnal with the activity peak occurring around midnight. The hedgehogs entered hibernation lasting for approximately one and half months between January and February. The hibernation was probably triggered by low ambient temperature, and the threshold mean minimum ambient temperature of the month appeared to be c. 13 degrees C. Breeding activity started in March just after the hedgehogs came Out of hibernation, and aggressive behaviours, which had not been observed during the previous months, also appeared in March.