| Long-earned gymnure | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Eulipotyphla |
| Family: | Erinaceidae |
| Genus: | Otohylomys Lebedev, Abramov & Rozhnov, 2014[2] |
| Species: | O. megalotis |
| Binomial name | |
| Otohylomys megalotis (Jenkins & M. F. Robinson, 2002) | |
 | |
| Long-eared gymnure range | |
Thelong-eared gymnure (Otohylomys megalotis) is aeulipotyphlan that is found inLaos. This specific type ofgymnure has long ears and a long skull compared to that of others.[3] It is also recognized for its broad forefeet, stout claws, and naked hindfeet.[1] Previously classified inHylomys, it is now the only species assigned to the genusOtohylomys.[4]
The species epithetmegalotis is derived from the two Greek words"megas" and"otos," which means "large" and "ears", respectively.[5]
The pregnancy lasts around six to seven weeks. They are born blind and hairless. However, the hedgehogs can start growing spiny hairs within 36-hours after birth. Only the mothers raise their young ones.[6]
Otohylomys megalotis is a species ofgymnure. Compared to species of theHylomys genus,O. megalotis has rounder, more prominent, and larger ears. Its soles and tarsals are naked, and it has long and moderately stout claws. The skull ofO. megalotis is elongated, flattened, and moderately slender.[5]
Compared to the sizes ofHylomys,O. megalotis is medium in size. However, it has a longer tail. Its tail is about 75% of its head and body length. Instead of having flattened spinous hairs, it has grey, long, soft and fine furs. UnlikeHylomys species,O. megalotis has stronger and tougher teeth.[5]
Otohylomys megalotis is primarily found in Khammouan Province, Laos, specifically in Khammouan Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area in Thakheck district.[1] It can also be found in the surroundings of Ban Muang and Ban Doy.[1] It is typically found in areas where there are massive limestone karst that is covered in large boulders, with heavily degraded mixture of deciduous forest, scrub, and bamboos.[5]
Currently, there is no known threat to this species.[1]
