Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lowland Streaked Tenrec
AdvancedHemicentetes semispinosus
A Madagascar endemic with yellow stripes and quills on a black body. The only mammal known to stridulate with its quills; feeds mainly on earthworms. Lives in family groups and is short-lived in captivity.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
18〜26℃
Lifespan
About 2.6 years on average in captivity
Size
About 14cm body (up to 17cm) / 125-280g
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Earthworms and other invertebrates
About
The lowland streaked tenrec (Hemicentetes semispinosus) is a tenrec endemic to the tropical forest, shrubland and farmland of northern and eastern Madagascar up to 1,550 m. Its black spiny pelage carries yellow to chestnut stripes with a yellow median line from head to back. Its hallmark is stridulation: specialized mid-dorsal quills vibrated by skin muscles produce sound, and it is the only mammal known to communicate this way. Almost exclusively vermivorous, it stamps its feet to bring earthworms to the surface. Family groups share long shallow burrows, and up to 23 animals may live together in the breeding season. Lowland populations are mainly diurnal and enter seasonal torpor in June-July and winter. IUCN Least Concern, not CITES-listed. Imports into Japan fall under the notification system for terrestrial mammals of the Infectious Diseases Control Act.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Lowland Streaked Tenrec
The Lowland Streaked Tenrec lives About 2.6 years on average in captivity.
Captive lifespan averages only about 2.6 years, and the species needs live earthworms and careful temperature and humidity control, making it one for experienced keepers.
Size of the Lowland Streaked Tenrec
The Lowland Streaked Tenrec grows to About 14cm body (up to 17cm) / 125-280g.
Body length averages 14 cm (maximum 17 cm) and weight 125-280 g.
Basic Info
Origin
Northern and eastern Madagascar
Lifespan
About 2.6 years on average in captivity
Care Specifications
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Hemicentetes semispinosus (G. Cuvier, 1798)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Domestic law: Imports into Japan fall under the Infectious Diseases Control Act notification system for terrestrial mammals; a health certificate from the exporting government is required.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List Hemicentetes semispinosus (LC) / MHLW Animal Import Notification System (Infectious Diseases Control Act)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Lowland Streaked Tenrec Listings
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