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Major’s long-tailed shrew tenrec
First described in 1918 by Thomas, Major’s Long‑tailed Tenrec stands out among its relatives for having a tail nearly twice as long as its body, a notably graceful feature unusual in Microgale.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Afrosoricida |
| Suborder: | Tenrecomorpha |
| Family: | Tenrecidae |
| Genus: | Microgale |
| Species: | Microgale majori |
Natural range & habitat
Major’s Long‑tailed Tenrec is endemic to Madagascar, found primarily in the eastern humid forests and also in some drier western forests at elevations ranging from about 785 to 2,000 m. It occupies both lowland and montane rainforest zones, and may tolerate habitat disturbance to some degree. Though widely distributed from the north to the south of the island, its precise habitat preferences and population densities are still little studied.
Physical traits
Weighing approximately 5.6 to 7.5 g and measuring about 6.3 to 7.2 cm in head‑body length, Major’s Long‑tailed Tenrec possesses a remarkably long tail (11.5–12.9 cm), nearly double its body length. Its body is spindle-shaped with dense dark brown dorsal fur and a darker grey underbelly, sometimes with reddish or yellowish tints. Ears are relatively large (13–15 mm), and it has strong forelimbs and an elongated outer toe, features suggesting some time spent climbing.
Behavior & lifestyle
Little is known about the species’ behavior because it is rarely observed. Morphological traits such as a very long tail and strong limbs suggest partially scansorial habits, climbing branches and foraging both on the ground and low in trees. Observational data are lacking, but it likely shares a secretive, mostly terrestrial lifestyle similar to other shrew tenrecs, occasionally using burrows or litter for shelter.
Communication
No species‑specific studies on Major’s Long‑tailed Tenrec’s communication exist. It is presumed to rely on scent marking and tactile signals during brief interactions or maternal care, similar to behavior found in other shrew tenrec relatives. No vocalizations or ultrasonic cues have been documented.
Diet in the wild
Dietary data for this tenrec are not available; however, intestinal content analyses suggest an insectivorous diet typical of shrew tenrecs, feeding on invertebrates like insects and earthworms. Its morphology aligns with ground‑foraging behavior in rich leaf‑litter environments.
Reproduction & life cycle
Virtually nothing is known about Major’s Long‑tailed Tenrec reproduction. The species has not been studied in captivity, and no observations exist regarding gestation length, litter size, breeding seasonality or juvenile development. It may follow general patterns seen in other shrew tenrecs, but specifics remain entirely undocumented.
Threats & conservation status
The IUCN lists this species as Least Concern, due to its relatively wide range and occurrence in numerous protected forests, including Manongarivo, Ambohitantely, Andrahomana and Andringitra. Nonetheless, habitat loss through deforestation, land-use change and fire continues across its range. Population trends remain unclear, and comprehensive field studies will be necessary for long-term conservation assessment.
This species in captivity
No records exist of the species being kept or bred in captivity. It is not maintained in zoos or private collections, and no husbandry protocols are documented. Its tolerance of or adaptation to captivity remains completely unknown.