Lesser hedgehog tenrec

Overview

The lesser hedgehog tenrec inhabits dry forests and scrub in southern Madagascar. Spines protect its back, while softer hair covers the belly and paws. It searches both ground and trees for invertebrates and can also take small vertebrate prey.

San Diego Zoo describes daytime shelter in tree hollows and mostly solitary activity at night. During the cool, dry season, torpor lowers body temperature and metabolism when food becomes scarce. This animal resembles a hedgehog but belongs to a different mammalian order.

Origins & earliest records

Madagascar.

Evidence & interpretation

Two zoo accounts.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Lesser hedgehog tenrec

   Smithsonian National Zoo

2. 02

   Tenrec

   San Diego Zoo

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Zoo accountLesser hedgehog tenrecResearch access: 2026-10-18
2. Zoo accountTenrecResearch access: 2026-10-18

Image credits

AI interpretation.

Illustrative anatomy.