Lesser hedgehog tenrecs reside

Lesser hedgehog tenrecs reside in areas of dry forest the southern and southwest of Madagascar.The Maryland Zoo features lesser hedgehog Tenrecs as one of the Animal Ambassadors that are introduced to visitors through educational programs both in and off the grounds.

“How I’m living there”

Lesser hedgehog tenrecs have their days in bed and spend their evenings consuming insects with other foods. They resemble miniature hedgehogs, however they are not very closely related, despite the name. They are wild animals that forage on their own apart from mothers who have young. Texas Birds   They run around on the ground, and within trees and employ their sharp claws for climbing trees. Their eyesight isn’t great however they depend on their excellent perception of sound and tactile sensation to navigate their nighttime world. For up to three months during summer, when the food supply is extremely low the animals can enter an unresponsive state, called orpor.

“Making My Mark”

Greater and less hedgehogs are the only species of tenrec completely covered by spines. The spines are hairs that have been modified.

Raising Young

Females have litters of between 1 and 10 children following a gestation time that is about seven weeks. The newborns weigh just 14 ounces at birth , but they grow quickly and are able to walk on their own in around one month.

“What do I eat”

If threatened, smaller hedgehogs tenrecs swell into an elongated ball, leaving their How Long Do Birds Live sharp spines visible. While effective as this is however, these tiny creatures are still susceptible to attack by snakes, birds of prey and other carnivores.

Conservation

Lesser hedgehog tenrecs have been classified as a species of low concern by IUCN the world’s largest conservation organization. The species is believed to be widespread and has a steady population.