One of Madagascar’s most charming and peculiar mammals. Despite its name, it’s not actually related to true hedgehogs but looks quite similar due to its small size and spiny coat. This tiny insectivore belongs to the Tenrec family, a group of animals found mostly in Madagascar, and it has a round body covered with sharp, protective spines on its back and softer fur on its belly.

One of the most distinct traits of this tenrec is its spiny armor, which it uses for defense. When threatened, the Lesser hedgehog tenrec curls up into a ball, just like a hedgehog, with its spines sticking out to deter predators such as snakes or birds of prey. It is mostly nocturnal and comes out at night to forage for insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. With its sharp sense of smell and nimble movements, it scurries through Madagascar’s dry forests and scrublands, searching for food. Unlike many other small mammals, the Lesser hedgehog tenrec does not rely much on speed to escape danger but instead trusts its excellent camouflage and defensive posture.

A fun fact about the Lesser hedgehog tenrec is that it has the ability to enter a state similar to hibernation, called torpor, during the dry season when food is scarce. During this time, it significantly lowers its body temperature and metabolic rate, conserving energy until conditions improve. Another quirky trait is that tenrecs, including this species, can make a wide range of sounds, including clicks, hisses, and squeaks, which they use to communicate, especially during breeding or when threatened.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Madagascar

LC

2015