At that time the island was probably a mix of habitats much as it is today: thick rain forest on the east coast, deciduous … Though sometimes confused with hedgehogs, lesser tenrecs are actually members of a different order. They will also lunge backward to drive their spines into their enemies. The lesser hedgehog tenrec, also known as the lesser Madagascar hedgehog tenrec, is a small mammal species endemic to the island of Madagascar. Now more than ever, we need your support. Lesser Madagascar tenrecs weigh 4 to 7 ounces (113 to 255 grams) and grow to between 5.5 and 7 inches (14 to 18 centimeters) in length. The weight of the largest Tenrec is measured at 2.2 lb or 1 kg. INTRODUCTION. Practice ecotourism by being an advocate for the environment when you’re on vacation. Nutritional requirements for a captive Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec is fairly simple. [citation needed], This article is about the mammal genus. Click here to see our Available Baby Hedgehogs. Avoid buying products made from animals, which could support poaching and the illegal wildlife trade. Fun Facts: Sometimes called small Madagascar hedgehog tenrecs. The Lesser Madagascar Hedgehog Tenrec is about 5-7 inches from nose to tail. Paypal or Square fee of 3% is added to each payment. The only way to get a 100% guarantee is a DNA test, so most owners will go by physical features. Many people mistake them for hedgehogs, they are however not related to hedgehogs at all and are in fact a member of the family Afrotheria which includes amongst many others elephants, golden moles and dugongs. In hot weather, it sleeps with its body extended, but otherwise lies in a curled position to rest. The lesser tenrecs genitalia is hidden inside so this makes telling the gender very difficult. Simply raising awareness about this species can contribute to its overall protection. Lesser tenrecs have poor eyesight, but their whiskers are very sensitive and their senses of smell and hearing are well developed. The streaked tenrec is about the same size; its fur consists of detachable barbed spines and coarse hairs. At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, they are fed dry insectivore diet and insects, such as mealworms. During this time they have a very small appetite and their b… cost includes $34 DNA test fee & Paypal or Square service fees. Lesson Summary. Other chunks of land later floated off to leave the island the size and shape we now know, situated 400 km off the Mozambique coast for the last 80 millions years. (This list is NOT for hedgehogs - that list can be found here.) Reduce, reuse and recycle — in that order! Nocturnal in the wild, in captivity they are often active day and night alike. We offer the best, in this very hard to find pet (Madagascar Lesser Tenrecs). Lesser Hedgehog Tenrecs. Tenrecs as pets do not usually bite, and are much more open to being friendly than a hedgehog. Sort by. Gestation lasts 61 to 68 days. Tenrecs retain characteristics that were perhaps more widespread in early placental mammals, including a low and variable body temperature. Many people confuse lesser tenrecs with a species of African hedgehog found in pet stores but these are not the same animals; hedgehogs are members of a different order. Tenrecs are curious-looking creatures. Some folks also feed crickets, cockroaches and hissing roaches. Though sometimes confused with hedgehogs, lesser tenrecs are actually members of a different order. They are a newer domesticated species so we still have a lot to learn about our spiky little friends. Lesser hedgehog tenrecs on the other-hand will tend to uncurl and bite their enemies. Indigenous to Madagascar, these fascinating Tenrecidae mammals make great pets. In fact, the two species are not closely related. While aquati… They have excellent hearing and sense of smell but not great eyesight. Tenrec Central is located in Niagara Falls N.Y. You will benefit from our knowledge and experience with this rare and exotic pet. They measure from 5 - 6.8 inches and typically weigh around 200g. 4,13,16 Literature on appropriate clinical and husbandry parameters is lacking in tenrecs, because previously published studies have … At Tenrec Central we’ll give you our experties and personal service you’ll come to expect. The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec is the most common Tenrec species kept in captivity and their popularity has increased year on year. The lesser hedgehog tenrec is a small, stout-bodied animal similar to the hedgehog, hence the name. Housing and feeding a tenrec is relatively simple. Lesser Hedgehog Tenrecs. They can live for up to 8 to 10 years in the wild, and about 13 years in human care. It is the only species in the genus Echinops and is named in honour of Charles Telfair. The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec is one of 30 species of tenrec found on the island of Madagascar. Lesser Madagascar tenrecs are covered with spines, which range in color from white to black. [3], They mostly feed upon insects but may prey on small vertebrates, and usually forage alone, except for a mother with her young.[3]. Unlike their cousin hedgehogs, tenrecs are excellent climbers, and use their long toes to hold onto branches. Tenres are a family of primitive, hedgehog-like insectivorous mammals, divided into subcategories based on size and color. They will roll into a tight ball with their spines sticking out when threatened. Lesser hedgehog tenrecs can live up to ten years in the wild. We do not offer any health or replacement warranty on tenrecs. Lesser hedgehog tenrecs are one of 30 species of tenrec found on the island of Madagascar. The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec (Echinops Telfairi) is a small, stout-bodied animal which many people confuse with Hedgehogs. 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