Comparative diet of hedgehogs (Atelerix algirus) in two localities in Kabylia, Algeria
The present study is the first qualitative and quantitative analysis of the diet of Algerian hedgehogs (Atelerix algirus)
in Kabylia, Algeria. The study was carried out between May and October
2014 and covered two different sites, Yakouren (a forested site) and
Tizi-Rached (an agricultural site). In Yakouren, the analysis of
droppings allowed us to identify 12,050 items grouped into 16 categories
of eaten preys, while in Tizi-Rached, 13,543 items grouped into 13
categories of preys were identified. In both locations, the Hymenoptera
category is the most eaten type of prey at a rate of 93% in Yakouren and
98% in Tizi-Rached. Moreover, the seasonal variation, the food
selectivity, and comparative studies of the consumed categories between
the two sites were analyzed in this study. In the Hymenoptera category,
99% of the consumed preys at both sites belonged to the family
Formicidae. A deeper investigation revealed that 13 species were in that
family in Yakouren and 11 species in Tizi-Rached. The species most
consumed by the hedgehogs at both sites are Messor spp. at a rate of 49%
in Yakouren and 91% in Tizi-Rached. In order to analyze the preference
for some prey, a biochemical analysis of the energy intake was performed
and discussed.
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