Madagascar Lesser Tenrec
Basic Information:
Scientific Name: Echinops telfairi
Habitat: Southern dry regions of Madagascar
Diet: Tenrecs mostly eat insects, but will occasionally eat smaller mammals like mice.
Size: 5 to 7 inches in length
Weight: 4 to 7 ounces
Lifespan: 7 to 10 years in the wild. As much as 19 in captivity.
Distribution Map:
I.U.C.N. Conservation Status:
What does this mean?
Least Concern – a species determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) to be pervasive, abundant, and thriving.
Our Madagascar Lesser Tenrec:
Onyx (Male -We think for now?) – Born June 11, 2024
About Madagascar Lesser Tenrecs:
The Madagascar lesser tenrec, also known as the lesser hedgehog tenrec, is native to the more arid regions of southern Madagascar. It is there that they spend most of the night hunting for bugs and other small invertebrates, and sleeping during the day.
Though they are both covered in quills, act like, look like, and use part of the same name as one another, tenrecs are actually not closely related to hedgehogs! They will, however, defend themselves in the same way as hedgehogs and other quilled animals. Tenrecs do not have quills on their face or belly, so they will tuck into a sharp spikey ball if a predator gets curious!
Did You Know?!
- Though it has the appearance of a hedgehog, tenrecs are in their own family. Them both having quills but being unrelated is a great example of convergent evolution!
- Usually seen in only birds, reptiles, and amphibians, tenrecs actually have a cloaca! This is extremely unusual for placental mammals!
- During the winter time, tenrecs will go into a state of torpor. This is a low energy state where body temperatures lower and metabolism slows. It’s similar to hibernation, but not quite as long!
- Lesser tenrecs have become more popular in the exotic pet trade recently. This is due to them being small and generally well-mannered.
