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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 .
No population estimates have been made for any afrosoricid species, though the De Winton's golden mole is classified as Critically Endangered and the giant golden mole, Gunning's golden mole, Jenkins's shrew tenrec, Juliana's golden mole, Marley's golden mole, northern shrew tenrec, and Van Zyl's golden mole are categorized as endangered species.
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.
Most species are also nocturnal and have poor eyesight. Their whiskers are rather sensitive and they can detect very minute vibrations in the ground to locate their prey. Unusual among placentals , afrosoricids have a cloaca , which is the rear orifice that functions as the opening for the urinary , digestive , and reproductive tracts.
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.
The greater long-tailed shrew tenrec is found in eastern Madagascar at altitudes between 440 and 1,950 metres (1,440 and 6,400 ft) above sea level, its range extending from Marojejy southwards to Andohahela. It is an arboreal species and is found in both primary and somewhat degraded humid forests. [2]
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.
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 ]