Head to head
Web-footed Tenrec vs Common Tenrec
The web-footed tenrec and common tenrec both belong to Madagascar's tenrec family, but they could hardly have taken more different evolutionary paths, one adapted entirely to swimming in mountain streams, the other a large, terrestrial generalist found across much of the island.
| Web-footed Tenrec | Common Tenrec | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Limnogale mergulus | Tenrec ecaudatus |
| Lifestyle | Semi-aquatic, the only tenrec adapted to swimming | Fully terrestrial |
| Body covering | Dense waterproof fur, no spines | Coarse fur with some spines |
| Signature feature | Webbed hind feet and a rudder-like tail | Virtually no tail |
| Size | A relatively small tenrec | The largest living tenrec |
| Habitat | Fast-flowing mountain streams | Forest and grassland generally |
| Native range | Limited area of Madagascar | Much of Madagascar |
| Conservation status | Endangered | Least Concern |
Web-footed Tenrec vs Common Tenrec: common questions
Which tenrec is adapted to life in water, the web-footed tenrec or the common tenrec?
The web-footed tenrec, which is the only semi-aquatic tenrec species, with webbed hind feet, a rudder-like tail, and dense waterproof fur in place of spines; the common tenrec is fully terrestrial.
Which is bigger, the web-footed tenrec or the common tenrec?
The common tenrec, which is the largest living tenrec species, is considerably bigger than the relatively small, stream-dwelling web-footed tenrec.
Which tenrec is more threatened, the web-footed tenrec or the common tenrec?
The web-footed tenrec, which is classified as Endangered due to stream pollution and habitat degradation across its limited range, faces a more urgent threat level than the common tenrec, which remains Least Concern and widespread.