Lesser Hedgehog Tenerec - Five Sisters Zoo

Despite its name, the Lesser Hedgehog Tenerec is not actually related to the hedgehog, though it does possess similar spines along its back and sides. The spines are a special type of hair that can range in colour from light brown through to dark, almost black, brown. Shrews and moles are their closest relatives and the Lesser Hedgehog Tenerec is one of over 20 known species of Tenerec.

Facts

Diet: Omnivore; invertebrates, eggs, some fruits.

Weight: 113-255g

Length: 14-18cm

Habitat: Endemic to Madagascar; found on the southern end of the island, they prefer dry forest, coastal scrub areas and semi-desert areas.

Life Span: 8-10 years in the wild, up to 13 under human care

Adapted to Survive

  • Lesser Hedgehog Tenerecs will curl into a ball to protect their soft underbelly from predators using their spines as defense
  • They will enter a state of torpor during seasons when food is scarce.

Threats

  • Habitat loss and deforestation

IUCN Conservation Status

Least Concern

< Back to list

© Copyright 2024 Five sisters Zoo