The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec (Echinops telfairi) can be found in Southern and Southwestern Madagascar in the semidesert, coastal regions and dry forest. Their diet mainly consists of insect, but they eat fruit on the side. They are solitary, nocturnal animals who hibernate during the cold season. Tenrecs are widely diverse creatures, resembling hedgehogs, shrews, opossums, mice and even otters.Interesting fact: The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec (Echinops telfairi) is one of 16 mammalian species that will have its genome sequenced as part of the Mammalian Genome Project. During a studies of the genome, the analysis joined the tenrec, the African elephant (order Proboscidea) and the aardvark (order Tubulidentata) on a common branch (source).
Picture of the Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec by Pinky sl, licensed under GFDL
Which zoos have them?
Minnesota Zoo (United States)The Lesser hedgehog tenrec is listed as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category, on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Countries
MadagascarLesser hedgehog tenrec habitats
Dry savanna, Forest, Grassland, Savanna, Shrubland, Subtropical / Tropical Dry forest, Subtropical / Tropical Dry Grassland and Subtropical / Tropical Dry ShrublandSome facts about the
Lesser hedgehog tenrec
Adult weight : 0.18 kg (0.396 lbs)
Maximum longevity : 19 years
Female maturity :365 days
Male maturity : 365 days
Gestation : 55 days
Weaning : 29 days
Litter size : 6
Litters per year : 1
Weight at birth : 0.008 kg (0.0176 lbs)
Weight at weaning : 0.05 kg (0.11 lbs)
Basal metabolic rate : 1 W
Body mass : 0.116 kg (0.2552 lbs)
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