First record of Paraechinus hypomelas from the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, Saudi Arabia (Eulipotyphla: Erinaceidae)

The first record of the Brandt’s hedgehog (Paraechinus hypomelas) from the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve and new range extension of this species in Saudi Arabia are presented. The record was made in Bida (26.8478°N, 36.9064°E) on 12 February 2024. The morphological description, including body measurements, is provided in addition to the most up-to-date distribution map. Despite being classified in the “least concern” (LC) category of the IUCN Red List, very limited knowledge of its population trends, ecology, and distribution is available globally. This record contributes to making the distribution picture of the Brandt’s hedgehog in Saudi Arabia more accurate and opens the opportunity of research of this species and threats impacting its populations.