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The various studies carried out on the Erinaceidae to date show that Algeria is home to two species of hedgehog belonging to two different genera, the Mediterranean species Atelerix algirus and the desert species Hemiechinus aethiopicus. Based on the literature, it would appear that these two species are allopatric, the former being found in the northern regions of the country while the latter is native to southern Algeria. However, our recent investigations reveal the presence of overlapping zones where the two species coexist in sympatry in certain arid zones (Ain Sefra, Aïn el Orak, Laghouat, Biskra). In order to distinguish these two species, which are protected in Algeria, genetically and to detect any possible hybridisation between them, particularly in contact zones (hybridisation zone), a study of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA was carried out using specific molecular markers (myoglobin, D-Loop). The results obtained provide information on the characteristics of the two species (Atelerix algirus, Hemiechinus aethiopicus) in relation to the large family Erinaceidae, and propose a well-founded geographical distribution model for the hedgehog in Algeria.
Keywords: Hedgehog, distribution, genetics, Algeria.

Item Type	Journal
Divisions	» Algerian International Veterinary Journal
ePrint ID	5463
Date Deposited	2026-02-23
Further Information	Google Scholar
URI	https://univ-soukahras.dz/en/publication/article/5463

@article{uniusa5463,
    title={Genetic identification and distribution of two hedgehog species (Atelerix algirus, Hemiechinus aethiopicus) in Algeria.},
    author={Louiza Derouiche and Carlos Fernandes},
    journal={Algerian International Veterinary Journal}
    year={2026},
    volume={1},
    number={},
    pages={8},
    publisher={}
}