Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec
AdvancedEchinops telfairi
Small Madagascar mammal resembling a hedgehog but actually a tenrec, an entirely different order. Has a hibernation instinct in cooler months.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
18〜26℃
Lifespan
8-13 years
Size
15-22cm / 100-230g
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Insects (crickets, mealworms), cat wet food, small amounts of fruit
About
The hedgehog tenrec (Echinops telfairi), also called the lesser hedgehog tenrec, is a small insectivorous mammal native to the dry and spiny forests and grasslands of southern and southwestern Madagascar. Adults measure 15–22 cm and weigh 100–230 g. Despite their striking resemblance to hedgehogs—including a dorsal coat of short spines and the ability to roll into a defensive ball—they are entirely unrelated to hedgehogs, belonging instead to the ancient Malagasy order Afrosoricida. Their similarity to hedgehogs is a classic example of convergent evolution. They are nocturnal and solitary in the wild. Temperature management is critical: an enclosure temperature of 25–30 °C must be maintained year-round; exposure to cold induces a potentially dangerous torpor. Diet is insectivore-based: quality insectivore kibble supplemented with live insects (crickets, mealworms). Specialized exotic veterinary care is essential. Common health concerns include mite infestation, neoplasia, and respiratory disease. Captive lifespan is 5–10 years.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
Madagascar
Lifespan
8-13 years
Size
15-22cm / 100-230g
Temperature
18〜26℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Insects (crickets, mealworms), cat wet food, small amounts of fruit
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Echinops telfairi Martin, 1838
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Sources: Echinops telfairi IUCN LC
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec Listings
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