Tenrec ecaudatus (Schreber, 1778)

Taxonomy and Distribution

The tailless tenrec (Tenrec ecaudatus), also called the common tenrec, is a mammal species in the family Tenrecidae. It is the only member of the genus Tenrec. It is native to Madagascar, and has also been intentionally introduced to the island groups of Comoros, Mauritius, Réunion, and Seychelles, where it now occurs. Its natural habitats include the understory of subtropical-tropical forest, open forest, arid shrubland, savanna, arable land, pastures, crop plantations, private gardens, and some landscaped urban areas.

Size and Dimensions

This species is the largest member of the tenrec family Tenrecidae. Its body length measures 26 to 39 cm (10 to 15 in), and it can weigh up to 2 kilograms (4.4 lb). Despite its common name tailless tenrec, it actually has a small tail that measures 1.0 to 1.5 cm (0.39 to 0.59 in) long.

Physical Appearance

It has medium-sized, coarse fur that ranges in color from grey to reddish-grey, and long, sharp spines running along its body.

Diet

The tailless tenrec is omnivorous. It is often mistaken for herbivorous rodents, but differs from them in having small, sharp, needle-like teeth. Its diet includes larger invertebrates, frogs, reptiles, mice and other small mammals, as well as fruits, leaves and other vegetation.

Defense Behavior

When threatened, this tenrec will scream, raise its spiny hairs into a crest, jump, buck, and bite.

Shelter Habits

During the day, it shelters in a grass and leaf nest built under a rock, log, or bush.

Reproduction

After a 50–60 day gestation period, females give birth to litters that can reach up to 32 young, with an average litter size between 15 and 20. Infant tailless tenrecs have a black-and-white striped pattern.

Hibernation Trait

This species was the first tropical mammal observed to hibernate for long continuous periods without waking, with hibernation stretches lasting up to nine months.

Parasite Host

The tailless tenrec acts as a host for the acanthocephalan intestinal parasite Promoniliformis ovocristatus.