Large-eared tenrec

Taxonomy

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Afrosoricida
Suborder:	Tenrecomorpha
Family:	Tenrecidae
Subfamily:	Geogalinae
Genus:	Geogale
Species:	Geogale aurita

Natural range & habitat

The Long‑eared Tenrec is endemic to Madagascar, most commonly found in the island’s southwestern and western regions within dry deciduous forests, gallery woodlands and spiny scrublands. While it had earlier been thought to be restricted to dry forest, more recent observations report its presence in grasslands and savanna-like anthropogenic areas, making it likely more resilient to habitat disturbance than previously believed.

Physical traits

This diminutive tenrec weighs just 5 to 8.5 g, with a head‑body length of about 60 to 75 mm and a hairy tail roughly half as long again. Its fur is short and soft, varying in dorsal hue from greyish‑brown to reddish, while the belly is buff‑white. It differs from other tenrecs by having just 34 teeth instead of the family standard of 36, and its large, sensitive ears combined with reduced vision reflect strong adaptations for locating termite prey by sound.

Behavior & lifestyle

Nocturnal, solitary and firmly terrestrial, the Long‑eared Tenrec lives alone except during brief breeding periods when male–female pairs may be seen together. As a heterotherm with a deliberately low metabolic rate, it often enters torpor during the heat of daytime hours, seeking shelter in concealed locations like hollow logs or underground cavities. Females may also maintain higher body temperatures during pregnancy and lactation.

Communication

Vision is weak in this species; instead, it relies on acute hearing and smell to detect termite prey. Large ears enable detection of faint insect movement, while tactile interaction appears crucial between mothers and offspring or mating pairs. Although no specific vocalizations have been documented, subtle acoustic or chemical signals might occur at short range.

Diet in the wild

This species is a specialized insectivore, feeding primarily on termites, which are located using passive auditory cues and extracted directly from their nests. Its diet likely also includes other small arthropods encountered during foraging, but termites dominate its prey spectrum.

Reproduction & life cycle

Breeding extends from September through March, and the gestation period ranges from approximately 54 to 69 days. Females can delay development via embryonic diapause and may birth up to five altricial young in a single litter. Offspring are born blind and deaf, open their eyes after 21–33 days, and wean shortly thereafter. Post‑partum oestrus allows successive litters during the same season while earlier young are still being nursed.

Threats & conservation status

Currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, this tenrec is considered to have a wide distribution and some tolerance to human-altered landscapes. Yet population trends remain unknown, and the species faces continued threat from deforestation and pesticide use, which may reduce termite populations essential to its survival.

This species in captivity

Virtually no reliable information exists regarding captive maintenance or captive breeding of this species. It is not known to be housed in zoological collections or private holdings and remains understudied in captivity.