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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.
The fifty-five extant species of Afrosoricida are divided into two suborders, with Chrysochloridea containing the family Chrysochloridae, or golden moles, and Tenrecomorpha containing the families Potamogalidae, or otter shrews, and Tenrecidae, or tenrecs.
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]
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 lesser hedgehog tenrec (Echinops telfairi) is a species of mammal in the family Tenrecidae. It is the only species in the genus Echinops and is named in honour of Charles Telfair. [1] It is endemic to Madagascar. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, shrubland, and shrubland and dry savanna. [2]
The large-eared tenrec (Geogale aurita) is a species of mammal in the family Tenrecidae. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Geogale, and the only member of the subfamily Geogalinae. [1] It is endemic to Madagascar where its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and shrubland.
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.
There are two species in the genus Hemicentetes, H. semispinosus and H. nigriceps both are found only on Madagascar.Lowland streaked tenrecs (H. semispinosus) are found in the rainforests on the east side of the island and highland streaked tenrecs (H. nigriceps) are found in humid forest and plateau savanna boundary habitat in the central upland portion of Madagascar.