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www.saczoo.org
M Lesser Madagascar Hedgehog Tenrec am Echinops telfairi m al Echinops telfairi Other Names Pygmy Tenrec Range Southern Madagascar Habitat Dry forests, savannas and agricultural areas Average Size Length: 6 – 8 in. Weight: 180 – 270 g Description A small, shrew-like mammal with a long snout and whiskers. The back, sides and tail are covered with dark brown to black, dense, sharp, white-tipped spikes. The underside is paler with no spikes. Lifespan In the wild: Up to 10 years In captivity: 12 – 14 years Diet In the wild: Insects, fruit, earthworms and carrion In captivity: Prepared insectivore chow, shredded vegetables, moist cat food, and insects Gestation 49 days Sexual Maturity Males: 8 months Females: 6 months Offspring 5 – 7 offspring Predators Fossa, snakes and birds of prey Population Status Stable Behavior The Lesser Madagascar Hedgehog Tenrec is mostly solitary except when breeding or rearing offspring. They are nocturnal (active at nighttime) in the wild, but are often active both day and night in captivity. Although technically omnivorous, they consume insect prey more than any other food source. They have very small eyes and therefore rely on their sense Unlike their cousin the hedgehog, tenrecs are excellent climbers using long toes on both front and rear feet to hold onto branches. When threatened, they roll into a tight ball with their spines sticking out in all directions. If this behavior fails to deter the intruder, the lesser tenrec will unroll and charge at the offender with teeth bared. During the hot Madagascar summers when food and water are scarce, these animals are known to go into a temporary hibernation called aestivation or “summer sleep.” In captivity in North America, this hibernation occurs in the winter months and may last as long as four months. Reproduction and Breeding Breeding usually takes place in September and October, with the young born fairly undeveloped. The female is the sole caretaker of the babies, who will remain nearby even after being weaned at about one month of age. Tenrecs may produce one or two litters per year depending on conditions in the habitat. Fahrenheit), so they do not require a scrotum to cool their sperm like most Conservation The Lesser Madagascar Hedgehog Tenrec is considered stable throughout most of its range, although much of their habitat on the island of introduced species all affect survival on this unique island. The Lesser Madagascar Hedgehog Tenrec is one of 16 mammalian species that will have its genome sequenced by the Mammalian Genome Project. It is increasingly popular in the pet trade, and in the future may serve as an important model organism in biomedicine; it is only distantly related to the mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rhesus macaques that comprise the most common research animals. Sacramento Zoological Society 3930 West Land Park Dr., Sacramento, CA 95822 T: 916-808-5888 F: 916-264-5887 E: [email protected] www.saczoo.org Amazing Facts Tenrecs have 32 to 42 teeth, depending on the species. As with birds, the anus and urogenital tract of the tenrec share a common opening called a cloaca. There are over 25 species of tenrec, found mostly in Madagascar. Lesser Madagascar Hedgehog Tenrec Sacramento Zoological Society 3930 West Land Park Dr., Sacramento, CA 95822 T: 916-808-5888 F: 916-264-5887 E: [email protected] www.saczoo.org