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Northern White-Breasted Hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus)
Northern White-Breasted Hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus)
Order: Eulipotyphla | Family: Erinaceidae
Biology: An anthropophilic species with primarily nocturnal activity, it has adapted well to human settlements. It reproduces once a year in the spring, following hibernation. Females give birth to 3-8 blind young, which are able to roll up after 11 days. Nursing lasts 1-1.5 months, after which the young hedgehogs begin their independent lives. Sexual maturity is reached in the second year of life.
Habitat: Forest ecosystems, rarely found in steppe areas.
Ecological Role: It consumes invertebrates, young mice, and small reptiles. Its lifespan is 5-7 years, with a maximum recorded longevity of 14 years.
Conservation Status: In the IUCN Red List – LC.
Bicolored Shrew (Crocidura leucodon)
Bicolored Shrew (Crocidura leucodon)
Order: Eulipotyphla | Family: Soricidae
Biology: A small species weighing 7–11 g. It breeds 2–3 times a year. Following a gestation period of about 30 days, 4–8 young are born. At approximately 20 days old, the pups begin to venture out with their mother, forming unique "caravans" by gripping the base of the tail or the hip fur of the one in front with their teeth.
Habitat: Meadows, water banks, forest edges, grasslands, open xerophilous terrain, or cleared woodland areas.
Ecological Role: It feeds on a wide variety of invertebrates and occasionally preys on the young of small rodents. By destroying pests and their larvae, they play a vital role in the ecosystem. Their lifespan can reach up to 2 years.
Conservation Status: Listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Moldova [VU] and the IUCN Red List – LC.
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