Mole-like rice tenrec

Taxonomy

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Afrosoricida
Suborder:	Tenrecomorpha
Family:	Tenrecidae
Genus:	Oryzorictes
Species:	Oryzorictes hova

Natural range & habitat

This species is endemic to eastern Madagascar, inhabiting a wide range of moist habitats including lowland rainforests, montane forests, marshes, swamps, seasonally flooded areas, and even rice paddies. It occurs from sea level up to around 1,990 m elevation. While primarily forest‑dwelling, its ability to persist in agricultural or anthropogenic wetlands reflects ecological flexibility.

Physical traits

The Mole‑like Rice Tenrec has a compact, muscular body 99–124 mm long and weighs about 28–40 g. Its stout limbs end in broad, strong claws suited for digging, with small eyes and ears reducing sensitivity to light. The tail is short (38–62 mm) and not prehensile. The fur is soft, typically brown to tan on top with a paler underbelly.

Behavior & lifestyle

This tenrec spends much of its time underground or under dense leaf litter, excavating burrows along stream banks or in rice field embankments. It is mostly active at night, foraging below surface soil or at the surface in moist environments. Although it sometimes forages above ground, it avoids open areas and stays hidden. Territorial behaviour has been observed, and it may navigate underground labyrinths via scent and tactile cues.

Communication

There are no detailed studies on its communication. It is likely to use scent marking and tactile interactions, particularly maternal and territorial cues, similar to its relatives. No vocalisations or ultrasonic communication have been documented.

Diet in the wild

Gut-content and isotopic analyses show a diet rich in aquatic and soil invertebrates, especially worms, grasshoppers, insects, and some plant material. Prey is captured underground or within leaf litter using digging behaviour. One observation noted vegetable matter, implying occasional omnivory.

Reproduction & life cycle

Little is known about its reproduction, but captured pregnant females have carried three to four embryos, suggesting small litter sizes. Gestation likely lasts around two months, based on related tenrec species. Development and timing in the wild remain unknown.

Threats & conservation status

The IUCN lists the Mole‑like Rice Tenrec as Least Concern, due to its broad range across eastern Madagascar and occurrence in multiple protected areas. Despite this, the population is thought to be decreasing due to habitat loss, wetland drainage, and forest conversion. It tolerates some habitat change, but intact riparian zones remain critical.

This species in captivity

There are no known records of this species ever being kept or bred in captivity. No zoo or private collections document holding it, and no husbandry protocols have been developed, its adaptability to captive conditions remains completely unknown.