Web-footed tenrec

The Wassertenrek ( Limnogale mergulus ) is an adapted to aquatic life mammal in the family the tenrecs ( Tencrecidae ).

Features

The flattened, long tail and webbed hind legs These types of locomotion in the water, her body is streamlined with small ears and the flattened head. The dense, water-repellent coat is colored brown on the top, the underside is yellow-gray. Wassertenreks reach a body length 12-17 cm, a tail length of 12 to 16 centimeters and a weight of 60 to 90 grams.

Dissemination and lifestyle

Wassertenreks are known only from a few scattered locations in eastern Madagascar. They live along fast-flowing rivers of banks in altitudes between 600 and 2000 meters.

Wassertenreks to be super swimmers. Primarily for the propulsion comes from the hind feet, the tail serves as a rudder and the front feet for grasping the prey. There are nocturnal animals that spend the day in self-dug Building on the riverbank. They are predators that primarily feed on frogs, small fish, crustaceans and insect larvae.

Since they live in a relatively small area in the east of Madagascar and is dependent on clean waters, the species is particularly vulnerable to human disturbance. The IUCN lists it therefore as vulnerable ( vulnerable ).