lesser hedgehog tenrec
Quick Summary
The lesser hedgehog tenrec is a mammal belonging to the family Tenrecidae, which includes shrewlike and hedgehoglike species. Most tenrecs are native to Madagascar and nearby islands, though some species, like the otter shrews, are found on the African mainland.1
The hedgehoglike tenrecs, including the lesser hedgehog tenrec (Echinops telfairi), have stout bodies and can curl into a protective ball when threatened. The lesser hedgehog tenrec weighs up to 250 grams and measures up to 18 cm in body length. These animals possess specialized spines that can produce sounds for communication. The lesser hedgehog tenrec is distinct from true hedgehogs, which belong to the subfamily Erinaceinae.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
