Tailless tenrec
A species of Tail-less tenrec, Also known as Tenrec Scientific name : Tenrec ecaudatus Genus : Tail-less tenrec
Tailless tenrec, A species of Tail-less tenrec
Also known as:
Tenrec
Scientific name: Tenrec ecaudatus
Genus: Tail-less tenrec
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Elias Neideck , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The color of the ordinary tenrek can vary locally from gray-brown to red-brown. They do not have a spine fur (like the hedgehog) but a brush-like fur with a spine here and there. With their length (25 to 39 cm) and weight (1.6 to 2.4 kg) they are the biggest tenreks. The front legs are longer than the hind legs and they have a tail of approximately 1.5 cm. The overall shape is reminiscent of a cross between hedgehog and shrew.
General Info
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Tailless tenrec primarily feed on invertebrates, with a notable preference for earthworms. This insectivorous diet also extends to arthropods, including insects, spiders, and centipedes.
Appearance
Tailless tenrec is a small-sized mammal with a round, elongated body and dense, spiky fur. Its fur color varies between black and brown, with lighter underparts. It lacks a tail, instead flaunting a sharp snout and tiny eyes. In some of its multiple subspecies, the fur can be softer and even longer. There's no significant visual difference between males and females or among different age groups.
Behavior
Tailless tenrec is primarily nocturnal and forages solo, seeking invertebrates with its sensitive snout. This mammal is known for its peculiar self-anointing behavior, using its spiny tail for application. It exhibits territoriality, marked by urine scenting, but lacks aggressive defense mechanisms. During the cool, dry winter months, tailless tenrec displays an unusual hibernation-like state, known as torpor.
Population
Stable
Photo By Elias Neideck , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Tenrecs and golden moles Family
Tenrecs Genus
Tail-less tenrec Species
Tailless tenrec