Its an interesting consideration. I think the pygmy hedgehog has African origins, and they are very much smaller than their European relatives – as their name suggests – and much lighter in colour. I had thought this was due to their natural habitat and being lighter was more protective for them against the sun and camouflage in the African lighter grasses etc?
I have also been reading that there have been cases of pygmy hedgehog owners ‘releasing’ their pets into the UK – some because of the burden on their busy lives and others thinking they were helping the dwindling numbers of our wild ones! (I know………..)
So could be a hybrid mix going on – but if this is the normal colouring in Sweden, more likely the environmental camouflage factor and longer days etc?
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