On the systematical position of the hedgehogs of genus erinaceus (Insectivora, Mammalia)‎ in Daraa (south of Syria)‎

Abstract EN

In 1964, Harrison talked about the spread of Erinaceus europaeus in Europe.

Recently, studies have shown the existence of two species of hedgehogs which are found in Europe and they belong to the genus Erinaceous.

They are as follows: 1- E.

europaeus L.1758, and they are found in the West of Europe.

2- E.

concolor M.1838, and they are found in the East of Europe.

The study has been done on 19 features of the skulls (10 males, 9 females) which were collected from the South of Syria.

We applied the biometrical measurements according to the method (Miller, 1912).

The most important dimensions he used in the biometrical measurements are: (Nas I, MndI, mI).

This is according to the method of (Pucek1981), the skulls of the (E.

concolor) have higher values.

The results showed that the Syrian skulls are lower and shorter.

So, we can classify the hedgehogs in both Syria and Bulgaria from one genus called E.concolor and the differences in the nasal index NasI are not important.

We Conclude: 1-The Hedgehogs in Syria, Near East area, Arab area and Asia Minor all belong to the ( E.concolor Martin ) .

2-The hedgehogs found in the Asia Minor and the Arab area belong to the genus (E .

concolor).