Mammals
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec
Echinops telfairi · also called lesser tenrec
Rolling into a tight, spine-covered ball at the first sign of danger, a lesser hedgehog tenrec looks every bit like a true hedgehog, yet belongs to an entirely separate family found only in Madagascar, a striking case of two unrelated animals arriving at nearly the same solution.
Overview
The lesser hedgehog tenrec, Echinops telfairi, is native to dry forest habitat across parts of Madagascar. Its convergently evolved spiny, hedgehog-like body, ability to enter energy-saving torpor, and popularity as an exotic pet make it one of the most visually familiar yet taxonomically surprising small mammals found on the island.
A hedgehog in appearance only
Despite looking and behaving remarkably like a true hedgehog, right down to rolling into a defensive ball, the lesser hedgehog tenrec shares no close family relationship with hedgehogs at all, its spiny coat the product of entirely independent evolution on an isolated island.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable dry forest habitat throughout its range in Madagascar.
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec: common questions
Is the lesser hedgehog tenrec actually a hedgehog?
No, despite its spiny, hedgehog-like body and defensive ball-rolling behaviour, it belongs to an entirely unrelated family found only in Madagascar; the resemblance is a striking example of convergent evolution.
Why can the lesser hedgehog tenrec enter torpor?
Entering a torpor-like dormant state helps it conserve energy during Madagascar's dry season, when food and water become less readily available.
Is the lesser hedgehog tenrec kept as a pet like the four-toed hedgehog?
Yes, it is kept as an exotic pet in some regions, with an appearance and care requirements similar to the unrelated four-toed hedgehog, despite the two species not being closely related.
Where is the lesser hedgehog tenrec found?
It is native exclusively to dry forest habitat across parts of Madagascar.