Hedgehogs are native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Specifically:
- In Europe, they are widespread from the Mediterranean region northwards into Scandinavia and westwards into the British Isles. European hedgehogs thrive in grasslands, woodlands, meadows, and hedgerows, often near human settlements such as gardens and farms
- In Asia, native hedgehogs are found in central Asia and parts of the Middle East, including countries like China, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Israel, Afghanistan, and Iran. They prefer grassy areas near forests or water sources and avoid deserts and mountainous terrain
- In Africa, hedgehogs inhabit savannas, grasslands, and dry, warm climates mainly in eastern and central regions. They avoid dense forests and swamps but live on well-drained soils rich in insects
Hedgehogs are absent as native species in Australia and the Americas, although they have been introduced to places like New Zealand and some islands in the British Isles
. In summary, hedgehogs are naturally native to a broad range across Europe, Asia, and Africa, adapted to diverse habitats from woodlands and hedgerows to savannas and semi-deserts
