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Homescience

Hedgehog vs Echidna: How Are They Different?

Despite their similar appearances, echidnas and hedgehogs are distinct species with unique adaptations suited to their environments. Here are some differences you can spot in this species.

Gurpreet Singh | October 14, 2025 / 12:38 IST
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1. Taxonomy: Echidnas and hedgehogs are often confused due to their spiny exteriors, but they differ significantly in biology and habitat. (Image: Canva)
1. Taxonomy: Echidnas and hedgehogs are often confused due to their spiny exteriors, but they differ significantly in biology and habitat. (Image: Canva)
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2, Native Regions: Echidnas are native to Australia and New Guinea, whereas hedgehogs are found across Europe, Asia, Africa, and New Zealand. (Image: Canva)
2. Native Regions: Echidnas are native to Australia and New Guinea, whereas hedgehogs are found across Europe, Asia, Africa and New Zealand. (Image: Canva)
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3. Size Comparisons: Echidnas are larger, weighing 9–15 pounds and measuring 14–20 inches, compared to hedgehogs' 2–5 pounds and 4–12 inches. (Image: Canva)
3. Size Comparisons: Echidnas are larger, weighing 9–15 pounds and measuring 14–20 inches, compared to hedgehogs' 2–5 pounds and 4–12 inches. (Image: Canva)
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4. Spines vs. Quills: Echidnas have long, stiff spines made of keratin, while hedgehogs possess shorter, hollow spines that are also keratin-based. (Image: Canva)
4. Spines vs. Quills: Echidnas have long, stiff spines made of keratin, while hedgehogs possess shorter, hollow spines that are also keratin-based. (Image: Canva)
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5. Reproductive Methods: Echidnas lay eggs that hatch into puggles in a protective pouch. Hedgehogs instead give birth to live young. (Image: Canva)
5. Reproductive Methods: Echidnas lay eggs that hatch into puggles in a protective pouch. Hedgehogs instead give birth to live young. (Image: Canva)
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6. Expert in Survival: Hedgehogs excel at defensive strategies, foraging and surviving seasonal changes. (Image: Canva)
6. Expert in Survival: Hedgehogs excel at defensive strategies, foraging and surviving seasonal changes. (Image: Canva)
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8. Expert in finding its prey: Echidnas are experts at finding hidden prey and burrowing, using unique biological adaptations. (Image: Canva)
7. Expert in finding its prey: Echidnas are experts at finding hidden prey and burrowing, using unique biological adaptations. (Image: Canva)
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8. Defense Mechanisms: Both roll into balls when threatened. Echidnas dig burrows, whereas hedgehogs build nests for protection. (Image: Canva)
8. Defense Mechanisms: Both roll into balls when threatened. Echidnas dig burrows, whereas hedgehogs build nests for protection. (Image: Canva)
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9. Conservation Status: Echidnas are classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, whereas some hedgehog species face threats leading to declining populations. (Image: Canva)
9. Conservation Status: Echidnas are classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, whereas some hedgehog species face threats leading to declining populations. (Image: Canva)
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10. Lifespan: Echidnas can live up to 50 years in the wild, while hedgehogs typically live around 3–7 years. (Image: Canva)
10. Lifespan: Echidnas can live up to 50 years in the wild, while hedgehogs typically live around 3–7 years. (Image: Canva)

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