When was the Brandt's hedgehog first spotted in J&K?

The first official sighting of the Brandt's hedgehog in Jammu and Kashmir was in 2024.

Why is the discovery of Brandt's hedgehog important for India?

The discovery is important as it adds to India's biodiversity and suggests the species may be expanding its geographical range.

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Brandt's Hedgehog Discovered in J&K

Q: What new species of hedgehog was found in Jammu and Kashmir?

A new species of hedgehog, Brandt's hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas), has been discovered in Jammu and Kashmir.

18 Jan

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Summary

A new species of hedgehog, Brandt's hedgehog, was discovered in Jammu and Kashmir.
DNA and morphological studies confirmed it as a species previously unknown in India.
The discovery adds to India's rich biodiversity and suggests potential range expansion.

A previously undocumented species of hedgehog, identified as Brandt's hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas), has been discovered in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Initial sightings occurred in the Rajouri-Poonch sector in 2024, with subsequent DNA and morphological analyses confirming it as a species entirely new to India. This exciting find significantly contributes to the nation's biodiversity, with researchers suggesting it indicates a potential expansion of the species' known distribution.

The discovery was formally reported to the J&K Wildlife Board in late December 2026. Brandt's hedgehog has previously been documented in several Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, but never before in India. The presence of this species highlights the importance of ongoing wildlife research and underscores the potential for new discoveries within Indian ecosystems.