| Greater hedgehog tenrec[1] | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Afrosoricida |
| Suborder: | Tenrecomorpha |
| Family: | Tenrecidae |
| Genus: | Setifer Froriep, 1806 |
| Species: | S. setosus |
| Binomial name | |
| Setifer setosus (Schreber, 1778) | |
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| Greater hedgehog tenrec range | |
| Synonyms | |
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Thegreater hedgehog tenrec (Setifer setosus), also known as thelarge Madagascar hedgehog orsokina,[3] is a species ofmammal in the familyTenrecidae. It isendemic toMadagascar. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical forests, shrubland and grassland,savanna, rural gardens, and urban areas.[2]
It is theonly species in thegenusSetifer.[1] Despite the close resemblance, it is not closely related tohedgehogs. Similarly to hedgehogs,neoplasia is common within the species and plays a significant role in morbidity and mortality.[4]
Greater hedgehog tenrecs are found throughout theisland ofMadagascar and are endemic to this island.[5]
The island of Madagascar ranges fromsea level to 2,250 meters above sea level, and Setifer setosus is found throughout the island, with the exception ofwetlands andmarshes. Greater hedgehog tenrecs are seen in urban areas and even in areas with extensive human disturbance. The prime habitat for greater hedgehog tenrecs are the eastern forests and lower elevations because of their eating habits, but they are found in wet and dry areas.[5]
Greater hedgehog tenrecs are omnivores. They eatinsects, grubs, and otherinvertebrates, as well asfruits, and will scavenge. They forage at ground level, although they are also known to climb.[5]
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