The four-toed hedgehog (African Pygmy Hedgehog) is an oval-bodied animal between 5.9 and 9.8 inches in length and weighing between 250 and 600 grams. Females are typically larger than males. It has short legs, short tail typically around 0.98 inches in length, a long nose, and small beady eyes. The ears and whiskers are both relatively large, implying that the animal has good senses.[3] As its common name implies, and unlike related species, the four-toed hedgehog typically has only four toes on each foot, lacking the hallux. However, in some individuals, a small bony lump may be present in place of the hallux, or there may even be a well-developed toe, especially on the hind feet.
It can vary greatly in coloration, but typical wild specimens have brown or grey spines with white or cream colored tips. The fur on the body is speckled grey in color, with brown around the muzzle, and white face, legs, and underparts. The upper body is covered in spines varying from 0.20 to 0.67 inches in length, being longest on the upper surface of the head. The spines are variably colored, but always have a white base and tip.
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