Greater hedgehog tenrec

Taxonomy

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Afrosoricida
Suborder:	Tenrecomorpha
Family:	Tenrecidae
Genus:	Setifer
Species:	Setifer setosus

Natural range & habitat

The Greater Hedgehog Tenrec is endemic to Madagascar and found across nearly the entire island, ranging from sea level up to about 2,250 m elevation. It inhabits a wide variety of habitats including dry and moist forests, savannas, shrubland, grasslands, agricultural areas, and even urban and suburban regions. It is absent only from wetlands and permanent marshes, and shows a remarkable tolerance for human disturbance.

Physical traits

This large hedgehog tenrec measures around 150 to 225 mm in body length, with a short tail of around 15–16 mm, and weighs between approximately 180 to 270 g. Its dorsal surface is covered with dense, white-tipped spines, while the underside and limbs bear soft buff or greyish fur. Its muzzle is round, eyes small, ears relatively prominent, and whiskers especially long and sensitive.

Behavior & lifestyle

The Greater Hedgehog Tenrec is nocturnal, solitary, and terrestrial, often sheltering in leaf-lined burrows or tree cavities during the day. It enters seasonal torpor in the dry winter months, conserving energy during prolonged inactivity. When threatened, it rolls into a tight ball with spines erect, protecting its vulnerable underparts. It is a slow, but capable climber in dense vegetation.

Communication

Communication behavior is not well-studied, but the species likely uses chemical signals and tactile cues during brief encounters or maternal care. Occasionally vocalizations such as grunts, squeaks, or “chirps” have been observed during mating or aggressive interactions. Males secrete a white substance from their eyes, possibly involved in territorial or sexual signaling.

Diet in the wild

This tenrec is an omnivore feeding on invertebrates such as insects, earthworms, and grubs, as well as fruit, carrion and sometimes small vertebrates. It forages primarily on the ground but may climb low vegetation in search of food. Known to consume carrion opportunistically, it plays a role in nutrient cycling and seed dispersal.

Reproduction & life cycle

Breeding begins after emerging from torpor in late September to mid-October and continues until April. Gestation lasts 51–65 days and litters generally consist of 1–5 young. Young are born naked and blind, weighing around 20 g; eyes open after about two weeks, and independence follows by three weeks. Both male and female may have multiple mates (polygynandrous system).

Threats & conservation status

The IUCN lists the Greater Hedgehog Tenrec as Least Concern, owing to its wide range, habitat adaptability, and presence across Malagasy ecosystems. Local hunts for food in some regions can impact populations, though large-scale threats are limited. Habitat modification, predation by introduced species, and climate change remain future risks.

This species in captivity

Although not often kept in captivity, the Greater Hedgehog Tenrec has been studied regarding torpor, reproduction, and longevity. Captive individuals have lived up to 14 years. However, standardized husbandry protocols and captive breeding programs are rare, and its suitability for ex situ conservation remains minimally explored.