Lesser hedgehog tenrec
(Echinops telfairi)
Range and habitat
Tenrecs can live in many different kinds of environments including forests, grasslands and savannahs. It is an exotic mammal found mainly in Madagascar. Some species are found in Western and Central Africa.
Appearance
The lesser hedgehog tenrec looks like a hedgehog, but is not actually a hedgehog! The small tenrec can be recognised by its 10-12 mm long spikes. The colour of the spikes vary from light to dark. Like a hedgehog, the tenrec can roll itself up into a ball. They do this when they feel threatened. The tenrec is also recognised by its small eyes and relatively large ears. The number of teeth varies from species to species: the species to which Ifaty belongs (the lesser hedgehog tenrec) has 32 pointed teeth. Another characteristic of the tenrec is the cloaca. This is an opening in the body that belongs to the sexual organs, but from which urine and faeces are also excreted. The cloaca is found mainly in birds, reptiles and amphibians; most mammals do not have one.
- The lesser hedgehog tenrec looks like a hedgehog but is not actually a hedgehog
- Length 105 - 165 mm, tail 13 mm
- Weight 50 - 95 grams
- Lifespan Max. 19 years
- Range Madagascar
- Habitat Forests, grasslands and savannahs
Reproduction
The gestation period of the lesser hedgehog tenrec lasts from 50 to almost 70 days. Usually, one to six young are born at a time. The young are almost completely naked at birth and cannot see or hear. Their eyes open after one week and their ear canals after two weeks. At three weeks old the young go with their mother to look for food themselves. Foraging for food is done together until the young are four to five weeks old.
The animals are particularly fond of worms, but also eat other insects. They really enjoy a piece of fruit.
Behaviour and way of life
The lesser hedgehog tenrec lives solitarily and is nocturnal. During the day, the tenrec lives in a nest made of leaves and other greenery, in or under tree trunks. When the tenrec is resting, its body temperature drops and breathing slows. During the coldest time of the year, they hibernate for three to five months.
