Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec

Coat and looks how to spot one

spines

A hedgehog-like animal whose whole back is covered in sharp spines, with soft fine hair on the belly and feet and only a tiny tail stub.123

Personality what they are like

A solitary, night-active insect eater that keeps to itself and rests under cover during the day. When it feels threatened it curls into a spiky ball.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Active at night and an agile climber that can go down branches head first, so it benefits from branches and climbing furniture.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Self-grooming. Provide hides it can rest under during the day, and expect a seasonal slow-down (torpor) of several months in cooler periods.123

Home where they are happiest

A secure enclosure with hides, leaf litter and branches for climbing, reflecting its native dry forest and scrub.13

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Mainly insects such as crickets, grasshoppers and mealworms, plus other invertebrates; zoos feed an insectivore diet with live insects.23

Company who they like around

Generally lives alone except for mothers with young; adult males can be quarrelsome, so it is usually kept singly.13

The story where it all began

Described in 1838 and named after the naturalist Charles Telfair, it is the only member of its genus and lives only on Madagascar. It has since become popular in zoos and the exotic pet trade.1