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Tenrec (Tailess)

Tenrec ecaudatus

Range

They are found on the island of Madagascar and smaller islands closer to Africa.

Habitat

They live in brushy, wet forests.

Body Traits

They can be up to 15 inches (39 cm) long and weigh more than 5 pounds (2.5 kg). They have brown, bristly fur that stands up when they are alarmed. They have a long, pointed face with long, sensitive whiskers that they use to nose around for prey.

Habits

They live alone, except to mate. They can swim and will cross wet areas, including rice paddies. They sleep and hibernate in burrows.

Diet

They are omnivores eating small amphibians, reptiles, insects, fruit and plants.

Predators

They are killed by snakes eagles, and fossa.

Reproduction

Females are pregnant for about 9 weeks (gestation). They often have litters of 10 babies, though can have more than 30!

Lifespan and/or Conservation Status

They can live up to 10 years. They are listed as Lower Risk – least concern.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Afrosoricida
Suborder: Tenrecomorpha
Family: Tenrecidae
Subfamily: Tenrecinae
Genus: Tenrec
Species: Tenrec ecaudatus

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