Aestivation in hedgehogs and tenrecs

While hibernation in colder months is a well-known survival strategy among animals, fewer people are familiar with aestivation: a state of dormancy during hot and dry periods. Both hedgehogs and tenrecs may enter this state under certain environmental pressures. In this article, we explore what aestivation means, how it differs from hibernation and what to expect when your hedgehog or tenrec shows signs of entering this state.

What is aestivation?

Aestivation (or estivation) is a metabolic slowdown that helps animals survive extreme heat or drought. Much like hibernation, it involves reduced activity, lower heart rate and limited responsiveness. However, where hibernation is typically triggered by cold and lack of food, aestivation occurs in response to heat, dehydration or both.

In captivity, aestivation is less common, but may still occur. Especially when temperature or humidity levels falls outside optimal ranges.

Aestivation in hedgehogs

Does it occur in all species?

In hedgehogs, aestivation is mainly observed in African species, such as the African pygmy hedgehog, particularly in their wild habitat. During the dry season, these hedgehogs may become inactive for weeks, taking shelter underground or in shaded burrows.

European hedgehogs are not known to aaestivate. Instead, they are more reliably tied to hibernation cycles during winter months.

Triggers in captivity

While uncommon, captive hedgehogs may show signs of aestivation if:

• Room temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) regularly
• Humidity drops too low (below 30%)
• The hedgehog is dehydrated or under heat stress
• Sudden environemntal changes occur (e.g. moving enclosures into a spot with a lot of sun)

Recognizing the signs

Signs of aestivation may overlap with hibernation or illness. Be alert to:

• Prolonged inactivity during hot weather
• Cool, dry skin and curled posture
• Unresponsiveness that does not resemble normal sleep
• Weight loss over several days

Important: If you suspect aestivation, rule out illness first. Always consult a veterinarien if unsure.

What to do

If you believe your hedgehog is aetivating:

• Lower ambient temperature to a stable 23-25 degrees Celsius (73-77 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Increase humidity using a humidifier or damp towle near the enclosure
• Offer hydration support such as unflavored electrolyte fluids (with veterinary advice)
• Avoid disturbind the animal excessively, but monitor closely for changes

Aestivation in tenrecs

A natural part of life

In tenrecs, especially Common tenrecs, aestivation is a natural, seasonal behavior. In Madagascar’s dry season, tenrecs retreat into dens and aestivate for months at a time, sometimes up to nine months, depending on conditions.

This dormancy is a critical part of their lifecycle, helping conserve energy and survive when food and water are scarse.

Aestivation in captivity

In captivity, tenrecs often follow their natural rhythmn especially if environemtnal cues mimic seasonal patterns. Owners often report aestivation behvaior beginning in late sumer or early fall, depending on enclosure temperature, lighting and feeding schedule.

Common signs include:

• Complete withdrawal from food
• Sleeping for days or weeks at a time
• Dramatically slowed respiration
• No waste production

Unlike with hedgehogs, this is not usually a cause for concern in tenrecs, but understanding and preperation are essential.

Supporting aestivation safely

To safely support a tenrec during aestivation:

• Provide a quiet, dark shelter with deep bedding
• Keep temperatures between 20-24 degrees Celcius (68-75 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Do not force-feed or wake the animal unless veterinary guidance suggest otherwise
• Ensure fresh water is always available, even if not consumed

Owners should weigh their tenrecs weekly before and during aestivation to monitor body condition. If excessive weight loss occurs or aestivation begins at an unusual time of year, veterinary input is advised.

Aestivation vs. hibernation

Feature	Aestivation	Hibernation
Trigger	Heat, dryness	Cold, seasonal food scarcity
Occurs in	Hot/dry environments	Cold/winter environments
Duration	Days to months	Weeks to months
Seen in	Tenrecs, African hedgehogs	European hedgehogs
Concern in captivity	Sometimes (hedgehogs)	Often times (hedgehogs)

Conclusion: Observe, support and understand

Aestivation is not a malfunction, it’s a brilliant survival strategy shaped by evolution. Whether your animal is withdrawing due to natural instincts or environmental triggers, understanding the why and how allows you to respond appropriately and confidently.

At The Hedgehog Program, we believe in working with nature, not against it. By learning more about aestivationg in hedgehogs and tenrecs, we move one step closer to creating environments that respect the animal’s natural rhythms, even in captivity.