Hainan gymnure

The Hainan rats hedgehogs ( Neohylomys hainanensis ) is a Igelart of the subfamily of rats hedgehogs ( Galericinae ), which is endemic to the Chinese island of Hainan.

Features

The Hainan rats hedgehogs reach a snout-vent length from 13.2 to 14.7 centimeters and a tail length of 3.6 to 4.3 centimeters. His weight is around 50 to 70 grams. The hind feet have a length of 21-36 millimeters. Compared to the little rats hedgehogs of Hainan rats hedgehog has a relatively long tail, which accounts for about 30% of head -body length and is longer than the hind feet. Its coat is reddish-brown on the top and has a black back stripe, the underside is lighter, usually light gray or yellowish. As for the little rats hedgehogs the muzzle is extended and flexible and is used to search the ground for food.

Dissemination

The distribution area of Hainan rats Hedgehog is limited to the Chinese island of Hainan.

Way of life

About the lifestyle of Hainan rats hedgehogs, little is known. Their habitat is tropical and subtropical rain forests, where they usually stay on the ground. As Sleeps serve them underground burrows. The diet should primarily consist like the little rats hedgehogs from insects and worms.

System

The Hainan rats hedgehogs is assigned as a separate species and genus rats hedgehogs ( Galericinae ) within the hedgehog ( Erinaceidae ). Hainan rats hedgehogs are tight with the little rats hedgehogs ( Hylomys ) related to which they were assigned by various authors, but differ by the longer tail, the number of teeth and the slightly larger dimensions.

Threats and conservation

The type is determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources ( IUCN) due to the very small distribution area, which is restricted to the island of Hainan, and the destruction of their habitat through deforestation and the expansion of agricultural land as threatened ( endangered ) listed.

The populations of this species are considered to be very small, recent data on the population size are not available, however.