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A tenrec (/ ˈ t ɛ n r ɛ k /) is a mammal belonging to any species within the afrotherian family Tenrecidae, which is endemic to Madagascar. [2] Tenrecs are a very diverse group; as a result of adaptive radiation and exhibit convergent evolution , [ 3 ] some resemble hedgehogs , shrews , opossums , rats , and mice .
Afrosoricida is an order of placental mammals.Members of this order are called afrosoricids, and include golden moles, otter shrews, and tenrecs.They are found in Africa, generally in forests, but also inland wetlands, shrublands, and grasslands.
As a rule, tenrecs and otter shrews tend to be small animals varying from 4 cm to 39 cm in length. There is no pronounced body type since they have evolved to occupy a number of small-bodied, faunivorous niches in Madagascar (tenrecines) and mainland Africa (potamogalines).
Tenrecinae is a tenrec subfamily endemic to the island of Madagascar. [1] It contains the largest species in the family, Tenrec ecaudatus. [2] All members of the genus possess spines, analogous to those of hedgehogs, for defense against predators.
Tenrecomorpha is the suborder of otter shrews and tenrecs, a group of afrotherian mammals indigenous to equatorial Africa and Madagascar, respectively. [2] [3] The two families are thought to have split about 47–53 million years ago. [3] [4] [5] Potamogalid otter shrews were formerly considered a subfamily of Tenrecidae. [3]
The tailless tenrec (Tenrec ecaudatus), also known as the common tenrec, is a species of mammal in the family Tenrecidae. It is the only member of the genus Tenrec . Native to Madagascar , it is also found on the Comoros , Mauritius , Réunion , and Seychelles island groups, where it has been purposely introduced. [ 2 ]
Talazac's shrew tenrec (Nesogale talazaci) is a species of mammal in the family Tenrecidae. It is endemic to Madagascar . Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist forests. [ 2 ]
The northern shrew tenrec (Microgale jobihely) is a species of mammal in the family Tenrecidae. It is endemic to Madagascar, where it has a restricted disjoint range in two locations 485 km apart in the north and east of the island. In the north, it is found on the southwestern slopes of the Tsaratanana Massif at elevations from 1420 to 1680 m.