Lesser hedgehog tenrec
Lesser hedgehog tenrec
There are 25 species of tenrec which are mostly found on Madagascar, but some are native to mainland Africa. The name lesser hedgehog tenrec is misleading, as tenrecs are not related to hedgehogs. Their closest relatives are moles and shrews. However, like hedgehogs, tenrecs have spines covering much of their bodies. Although the underlying muscular structure is less specialized than a hedgehog’s, tenrecs have well-developed muscles under the skin that allow them to raise and lower their spines.
Echinops telfairi
Insectivore
Madagascar
Grasslands, Scrublands
This animal ambassador lives behind the scenes at the Wieland Wildlife Home, but you could meet one at one of our evening events, at a pop-up animal encounter during your Zoo visit, or if you register for one of our education programs.
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The lesser hedgehog tenrec, also known as the lesser Madagascar hedgehog tenrec, is a small mammal species endemic to the island of Madagascar. Common predators of this strictly nocturnal species include snakes, birds of prey, carnivores such as the fossa, and domestic dogs and cats. When threatened, their first response is to roll into a ball, protected by their spines. If the predator is undeterred, tenrecs have been known to charge the predator with their teeth bared and attack with their powerful jaws.
The lesser hedgehog tenrec is small and stout with a short tail and prominent ears. They can reach lengths of up to 7 inches and weigh less than half a pound. Lesser hedgehog tenrecs are covered with spines that are modified hairs. These serve to protect the tenrec from predators. The head, underbelly, and feet are the only parts of the body not covered in spines. The spines are usually brown but can range from very light to very dark. Coloration depends on the amount of melanin in the spines.
This tenrec species is usually solitary. Males tend to be quite territorial, excreting a white fluid from their eyes to mark their territory. Lesser hedgehog tenrecs are nocturnal, relying on their sensitive whiskers and keen senses of smell and hearing to find food. Communication between tenrecs is primarily tactile and olfactory, with only a few auditory signals. During dry and wet seasons, when food is scarce, the tenrec may enter a state of torpor. This state can last three to five months, helping the tenrec conserve energy when food is scarce. Tenrecs occupy the ecological niche filled by hedgehogs, shrews, mice, and opossums in other regions of the world.
Unlike most mammals, which have separate reproductive, intestinal and urinary openings, female lesser hedgehog tenrecs have a single opening called a cloaca. Breeding occurs in October when weather is warm and food is plentiful. Gestation lasts 40 to 60 days. Litters may contain one to 10 young, but five to seven is most common. Babies weigh around 8 grams at birth (about the weight of a housekey) and are independent after 30 to 35 days.
This animal ambassador lives behind the scenes at the Wieland Wildlife Home, but you could meet one at one of our evening events, at a pop-up animal encounter during your Zoo visit, or if you register for one of our education programs.
Lesser hedgehog tenrecs are native to southern and southwestern Madagascar.
This species thrives in dry environments such as scrublands, semi-deserts, and dry forests, but they also live in coastal regions, savannas and grasslands.
These insectivores dine on insects, eggs, spiders and fruit in the wild. At Zoo Atlanta, they receive a diet of commercially prepared insectivore chow, crickets, mealworms, waxworms and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Wild populations of this adaptable species are currently stable thanks to a large population size, wide geographical distribution, and occurrence in several protected areas. Although tenrecs can tolerate a degree of habitat modification, it’s important to protect the habitat they share with a variety of other animals. You can do this by shopping for certified paper products to reduce habitat loss to illegal logging.