Hello Little Tenrec!

Hello Little Tenrec!

We spent our last day of the week in search of a very small mammal that looks like a hedgehog, but it’s not. The tenrec is found only in Madagascar and while they are similar they are not hedgehog relatives.

Date: 3/16

Location: Madasgascar

Common Tenrec Fun Facts:

• They are also known as the tailess tenrec. They are the largest tenrec species.
• Common tenrecs do have a tail- up to 1 1/2 cm in length.
• Tenrecs are related is not related to hedgehogs. It is thought that is related to elephants, aardvarks and manatees.
• Tenrecs roll in a ball and have spines similar to hedgehogs, but they do not have the same strong muscle structure of a hedgehog.

• Tenrecs roll in sand to help them keep clean.
• They can have up 32 babies at at time. All of the babies are born without spines.

We love hedgehogs and their non cousin the tenrec! Can you believe that they might be related to Ellie? Who doesn’t love those cute little feet and funny ears!