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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 .
They range in size from the least shrew tenrec, at 4 cm (2 in) plus a 6 cm (2 in) tail, to the giant otter shrew, at 34 cm (13 in) plus a 39 cm (15 in) tail. Afrosoricids primarily eat invertebrates , particularly insects and earthworms, though some will also eat small lizards or other vertebrates.
Jenkins's shrew tenrec is extremely small, 143-147mm with the tail being 71-81mm . [2] Its fur is extremely dense, with the top of it being tannish-brown with darker flecks from their agouti gene. On the bottom it is a paler grizzled slate-gray. [2] The tail of this Tenrec is dark brown on the top, and much lighter on the bottom.
The streaked tenrec is the only mammal known to use stridulation for generating sound, a method more commonly associated with insects and snakes. [13] [14] Due to its rarity, there is not sufficient information regarding the functional-morphological mechanism of the streaked tenrec. The sounding quills are different from the spines and hair and ...
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 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 ]
The highland streaked tenrec (Hemicentetes nigriceps) is an insectivore which lives in the central upland regions of Madagascar. Its black and white striped body is covered with quills, which it will raise when agitated. The spines detach and remain in the body of an inquisitive predator.
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.