Pale shrew tenrec

Taxonomy

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Afrosoricida
Suborder:	Tenrecomorpha
Family:	Tenrecidae
Genus:	Microgale
Species:	Microgale fotsifotsy

Natural range & habitat

The Pale Shrew Tenrec is endemic to Madagascar, distributed across northern, eastern, and southeastern regions. It inhabits moist lowland and montane forests, typically between 600 and 2,500 m elevation and occasionally in transitional humid-dry zones. Though relatively widespread and present in several protected areas, detailed data on its habitat preferences and habitat tolerance remain limited.

Physical traits

This small tenrec measures approximately 59–81 mm in head–body length, with a tail of 69–94 mm, so its tail is nearly as long as its body. It weighs around 7–15 g. Its dorsal fur is soft and pale grizzled yellowish‑brown to gray, with a light gray or buff underbelly, often tinged with reddish tones. The tail is distinctly two‑toned, darker above, pale buff below, with a lighter tip and often a thin white pencil of hairs. Feet are brown with pale digits, and the ears are relatively prominent and pale. The elongated fifth toe on the hindfoot nearly matches the length of the second toe.

Behavior & lifestyle

Very little is known about the behavior of the Pale Shrew Tenrec. It appears to be terrestrial and primarily active on the ground within leaf litter, although specific diel activity patterns (diurnal versus nocturnal) are not well documented. It likely forages frequently due to its small size and high metabolism; however, details about home range, resting or nesting behavior, and social structure are lacking.

Communication

No direct studies exist on communication for this species. As with many Microgale, it presumably uses chemical cues and physical contact during mother–offspring interactions and possibly low-volume vocalizations or squeals, but none have been specifically recorded for this species.

Diet in the wild

While no targeted dietary studies have been conducted, captive or incidental observations suggest it feeds on insects such as orthopterans and coleopterans. These ground-dwelling invertebrates align with the typical insectivorous diet of similarly sized tenrecs, though seasonal or habitat-specific preferences are not known.

Reproduction & life cycle

Reproductive biology of M. fotsifotsy is barely documented. A few wild-caught females have been found with three to four embryos, but data on gestation length, birth seasonality, litter size or developmental rates are lacking. It is assumed that young are born altricial and develop similarly to related shrew tenrecs, but specifics are not available.

Threats & conservation status

The Pale Shrew Tenrec is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, due to its relatively wide distribution and presumed large population. While present in some protected forests, its range is affected by deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and cattle grazing, especially at lower elevations, as well as fire. Population trends are unknown, and further surveys are needed to assess its resilience and conservation outlook.

This species in captivity

There are no records of captive maintenance or breeding of the Pale Shrew Tenrec. Its care needs, husbandry protocols, or potential for ex situ conservation remain entirely unexplored.