Drouhard’s shrew tenrec

Taxonomy

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Afrosoricida
Suborder:	Tenrecomorpha
Family:	Tenrecidae
Genus:	Microgale
Species:	Microgale drouhardi

Natural range & habitat

Drouhard’s Shrew Tenrec is endemic to eastern Madagascar, where it occupies a remarkably wide altitudinal range, from lowland to montane moist forests spanning roughly 350 to 2,350 m above sea level. It has been documented in a variety of humid forest types, including areas near forest edges and marshland close to agricultural zones, suggesting a tolerance of some habitat disturbance. However, fine‑scale habitat preferences and population density remain poorly studied, leaving important gaps in our understanding of its ecology.

Physical traits

This medium-sized Microgale has a spindle-shaped body with head‑body length ranging between about 6.3 and 8.3 cm, and a tail of similar length; adult weights recorded around 9–11 g. Its soft, dense coat is typically dark brown with a distinct mid‑dorsal stripe running from head to tail, a feature that earned it the common name “striped shrew tenrec.” Fur colouration varies geographically, with some northern populations showing darker hues and those from central or southern regions appearing more reddish or grey‑brown. Ears are moderate in size (around 12–17 mm), and limbs are short but sturdy, well adapted for ground movement in dense leaf litter.

Behavior & lifestyle

Very little is known about the daily behaviour of Drouhard’s Shrew Tenrec. It appears to be terrestrial and secretive, typically sheltering within dense leaf litter or under logs. Occasionally individuals have been observed in human-made pitfall traps during surveys, implying ground-level activity rather than arboreal habits. One interesting note is that captive individuals preferred grasshoppers and worms, suggesting a diet typical of ground-foraging insectivores. Unlike some other Microgale species, it may maintain a relatively stable body temperature and high standard metabolic rate, though behavioural details remain speculative.

Communication

There are no detailed studies on vocal or chemical communication in this species. It likely uses scent marking and tactile cues during mother–offspring care or brief interactions during the breeding season, similar to closely related species. Occasional high‑pitched squeals have been reported in other Microgale species and may occur in this one too, but direct observations are lacking.

Diet in the wild

Dietary data for Drouhard’s Shrew Tenrec are limited, but it is likely insectivorous, feeding on grasshoppers, earthworms and other small invertebrates found on the forest floor. Gut or isotopic studies are absent, but its morphology and some captive evidence align with a generalist ground-foraging lifestyle similar to its congeners.

Reproduction & life cycle

There is essentially no published information on the reproductive biology of this species. The only reproductive insights come from museum specimens and incidental captures, with no data on litter size, gestation, seasonality or developmental milestones. It is safe to assume, based on relative species, that young are born altricial, blind and hairless, and weaned after a few weeks, but the specifics remain unknown.

Threats & conservation status

The IUCN classifies Drouhard’s Shrew Tenrec as Least Concern, citing its wide geographic distribution and presumed stable population. It occurs in several protected areas including Masoala Peninsula, Montagne d’Ambre and Zahamena National Parks, which help buffer effects of deforestation. Nonetheless, habitat loss in lower elevations due to woodland clearance for agriculture or wood extraction poses a potential threat, particularly in unprotected zones. More field surveys and studies are needed to accurately assess its ecological resilience and population trends.

This species in captivity

There are no records of sustained captive populations or husbandry protocols for Drouhard’s Shrew Tenrec. Very limited observations suggest it may accept grasshoppers or worms, but no captive breeding or care studies have been published. As with many rare Microgale species, its maintenance under human care remains wholly untested.