Large-eared tenrec

Has extremely sensitive auditory senses that are capable of locating prey that is as small as a termite

Markus Fink

Large-eared tenrec has large projecting ears, as their common name suggests. They are one of the smallest extant tenrecs. Their coat is short and soft with greyish-brown or reddish-brown on the upper side and buffish-white on the underside. The tail is covered with long and hairy fur. Even though they are nocturnal, they have bad eyesight; they depend on their auditory and olfactory senses.

They have a low metabolic rate and are heterothermic, so their body temperature fluctuates with the external environment. These tenrecs enter a torpid state, decreasing the physiological activity during the day’s heat. They prey exclusively on arthropods, with termites being their favorite.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Madagascar
LC
2014

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No