Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec
ExploreMammals
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec
echinops telfairi
The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec is a small, adorable mammal that loves to explore its surroundings. With its spiky fur and tiny face, it's a fun animal to learn about and watch in the wild!
Habitat: This species lives in the forests and shrublands of Madagascar.
Appearance
The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec has a small, compact body covered in short, stiff quills that range from greyish-brown to creamy white. It has a pointed snout, relatively large ears, and small eyes, giving it a more delicate appearance than a true hedgehog.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderAfrosoricidaFamilyTenrecidaeGenusEchinops
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
During the dry season, they can 'sleep' for months, lowering their body temperature to save energy!
They are not true hedgehogs; they're more related to elephants than typical hedgehogs!
They sometimes 'anoint' themselves with saliva mixed with strong smells, a mysterious behavior!
Unlike porcupines, their quills are smooth and just for protection, not barbed or thrown!
Special abilities
Ability
Quill Shield
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec can roll into a tight, spiky ball because it helps them become a difficult meal for predators.
Ability
Torpor Master
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec has the ability to enter torpor, a deep sleep, that helps them survive long dry seasons.
Ability
Night Hunter Senses
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec can find hidden prey because of their excellent sense of smell and large, sensitive ears.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 12-17 cm
- Weight
- 0.1-0.25 kg
- Lifespan
- 6-10 years
- Top Speed
- 8 km/h
- Litter Size
- 1-8
- Gestation
- 47-50 days
Diet & Feeding
These tiny tenrecs mostly munch on insects and other small critters they forage for at night.
Primary Foods
- Crickets
- Mealworms
- Grasshoppers
- Spiders
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Fossa
Cryptoprocta ferox
Fossa often hunt these tenrecs, especially younger or exposed individuals.
eaten by
Barn Owl
Tyto alba
Barn owls are opportunistic predators, including tenrecs in their diet.
eats
African two-spotted cricket
Gryllus bimaculatus
Feeds heavily on crickets, a vital energy source in its natural habitat.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Madagascar TenrecSpiny TenrecTenrec
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec?
12-17 cm
How much does Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec weigh?
0.1-0.25 kg
How long does Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec live?
6-10 years
How fast can Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec move?
8 km/h
What does Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec eat?
These tiny tenrecs mostly munch on insects and other small critters they forage for at night.
Where is Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec usually found?
This species lives in the forests and shrublands of Madagascar.
How does Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec usually have?
1-8
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