Hemicentetes semispinosus (G.Cuvier, 1798)

Taxonomy and Naming

The lowland streaked tenrec, whose scientific name is Hemicentetes semispinosus, is a small tenrec native to Madagascar. It is classified in the family Tenrecidae, order Afrosoricida, and belongs specifically to the spiny tenrec subfamily Tenrecinae. It is very closely related to the highland streaked tenrec.

Distribution and Elevation

This species occurs in northern and eastern Madagascar, at low elevations ranging from 0 to 1,550 meters above sea level.

Habitat Types

Its natural habitats include tropical lowland rainforests, plus it also occupies primary and secondary tropical forests, shrubland, and agricultural land.

Breeding Season

Breeding for this species typically occurs between October and December, though breeding may happen at other times based on local food availability and temperature.

Gestation and Litter Size

The gestation period is 58 days, and females usually give birth to between five and eight offspring at a time.

Juvenile Development

Young lowland streaked tenrecs are weaned between 18 and 25 days after birth. On average, these tenrecs develop the ability to conceive at around 35 days old, and can reproduce within the same season they are born.

Pre-Birth Nesting Behavior

Before giving birth, a pregnant female uses her snout like a spade to dig a depression in the ground inside her burrow.