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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