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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 .
Range maps are provided wherever possible; if a range map is not available, a description of the afrosoricid's range is provided. Ranges are based on the IUCN Red List for that species unless otherwise noted. All extinct species or subspecies listed alongside extant species went extinct after 1500 CE, and are indicated by a dagger symbol "†".
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.
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.
The naked-nosed shrew tenrec (Microgale gymnorhyncha) is a species of mammal in the family Tenrecidae. It is endemic to Madagascar . Its natural habitats are subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests.
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]
The least shrew tenrec (Microgale pusilla) is a species of mammal in the family Tenrecidae. It is endemic to Madagascar . Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist forests, swamps, pastureland, and irrigated land.
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.