Hedgehogs at Risk of Extinction: Spiky Animals Could Disappear by 2050

Hedgehogs at Risk of Extinction: Spiky Animals Could Disappear by 2050

Spiky or Quilled Animals at Risk of Extinction

1. Hedgehog
   • 🟠 Status: Vulnerable (rapid decline in Europe & UK)
   • ⚠️ Threats: Habitat loss, roadkills, pesticides, urbanization.
2. Echidna (Spiny Anteater)
   • 🟠 Status: Vulnerable (Long-beaked species in New Guinea are critically endangered)
   • ⚠️ Threats: Hunting, habitat destruction, climate change.
3. Porcupine
   • 🟡 Status: Some species are stable, but Philippine Porcupine is Endangered
   • ⚠️ Threats: Deforestation, hunting for quills and meat.
4. Armadillo (especially Giant Armadillo)
   • 🔴 Status: Vulnerable
   • ⚠️ Threats: Habitat loss, hunting, and road accidents.
5. Tenrec (Madagascar species)
   • 🟠 Status: Some species at risk
   • ⚠️ Threats: Forest clearance and invasive species.
6. Thorny Devil (Lizard – Australia)
   • 🟢 Status: Least Concern but climate vulnerability rising
   • ⚠️ Threats: Habitat disturbance, climate change.
7. Sea Urchins (spiny marine animals)
   • 🟠 Status: Several species declining
   • ⚠️ Threats: Ocean acidification, overharvesting, pollution.
8. Pufferfish (spiky when inflated)
   • 🟡 Status: Some species vulnerable
   • ⚠️ Threats: Overfishing, coral reef loss, pollution.
9. Lionfish (spiny fins, venomous)
   • 🟢 Status: Not threatened, but invasive species harming reefs
   • ⚠️ Note: Though not endangered, they disturb marine biodiversity.
10. Hedgehog Seahorse (spiky body texture)

• 🟠 Status: Vulnerable
• ⚠️ Threats: Overfishing for traditional medicine and aquarium trade.
  
  Updated - 17 Oct 2025 ; 10: 20 PM | Down to Earth