Lesser hedgehog tenrec

Taxonomy

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Afrosoricida
Suborder:	Tenrecomorpha
Family:	Tenrecidae
Genus:	Echinops
Species:	Echinops telfairi

Natural range & habitat

This species is endemic to Madagascar, primarily occurring in southern and southwestern regions. It inhabits a variety of dry landscapes including deciduous forests, savannas, shrublands, and even agricultural areas or coastal scrub. Although most common in arid zones, it tolerates fragmented habitats and can also be observed climbing low trees or shrubs near its nesting sites.

Physical traits

The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec is a small, stout mammal, roughly 13 to 18 cm from nose to tail and weighing about 110–250 g (typically around 200 g). Its dorsal coat consists of sharp spines in hues from pale tan to dark brown, while the underside and limbs bear soft grey-white fur. The tail is short, ears are prominent, and long whiskers extend from its pointed snout. Eyesight is poor, but hearing, smell and tactile whiskers are well-developed.

Behavior & lifestyle

This tenrec is nocturnal and lives mostly alone, except for mothers caring for young or animals sheltering together during torpor. During the day, it rests in nests made of leaves and green material under logs or in tree hollows. In response to low food availability or cold conditions, individuals may enter torpor for three to five months, significantly slowing their metabolism to conserve energy.

Communication

There are no formal studies on communication for this species. It likely uses a combination of scent marking, tactile signals, and possibly low-volume vocal or clicking sounds during mom–offspring interaction or brief encounters, much like its relatives.

Diet in the wild

Though generally considered insectivorous, the Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec is actually an opportunistic omnivore. It feeds primarily on insects, larvae, earthworms, and occasionally consumes small vertebrates such as bird eggs or mice, and eats fruits when available. Hunting occurs on the ground and in low branches, using claws and whiskers to locate prey in leaf litter.

Reproduction & life cycle

Breeding typically begins in October after emerging from torpor. Gestation lasts about 60–68 days, and litters generally include 5–7 offspring—though as many as ten have been recorded. Newborns are naked and helpless, weighing around 8 g. Eyes open after roughly one week, and young become independent at 30–35 days old. Females rear the young alone in nests, and sexual maturity is typically reached after the first post-torpor season.

Threats & conservation status

The IUCN classifies this species as Least Concern, based on its relatively broad range and ecological flexibility. Despite this, habitat loss through deforestation, agricultural expansion, and increased human disturbance poses long-term risks. Populations appear stable in many areas, but continued habitat monitoring is important.

This species in captivity

Unlike most other Malagasy tenrecs, the Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec is known from captive populations and is sometimes kept in the exotic pet trade. Historical breeding programs have succeeded in long-term husbandry, with observations on nutrition, torpor cycles, growth and development documented. However, wild-based captive-release programs or conservation breeding protocols are not well developed.