Microgale

The Kleintenreks ( Microgale ), sometimes referred to as a shrew or Langschwanztenreks, a mammalian genus from the group of Reistenreks within the family of tenrecs are ( Tenrecidae ). The nearly 20 species of this genus are scattered all over Madagascar.

Features

Kleintenreks similar to - Madagascar nonexistent - shrews appear to have the same environmental niches occupied like this. The snout is elongated, the ears protrude from the skin. The long tail in most species can be formed as a prehensile tail and act as fat storage in some species. The coat is soft, its color varies from reddish brown on the upper side through various browns and grays to almost black, the underside is usually colored light gray. Kleintenreks reach head hull lengths from 4 to 13 centimeters, the tail is as long as the body except for Microgale brevicaudata. Small plants of this genus as Microgale parvula reach a weight of only 5 grams and are therefore among the smallest mammals in general, while the larger species can reach 80 grams.

Way of life

Kleintenreks inhabit different habitats, but are always dependent on dense vegetation. As an adaptation to different habitats, different ways of life have developed. So there are some in the ground digging living species, soil inhabitants and mainly arboreal species.

You can be diurnal as well as nocturnal and rather lead a solitary life. Their diet consists mainly of insects.

Procreation is known only in a few species. The gestation period is between 58 and 65 days and the litter size of one to three. With a month, the pups are weaned, and can reach an age of five years in captivity.

Due to the loss of habitat, the IUCN lists three species as endangered or threatened.

The types

There are around 20 species distinguished:

  • Microgale brevicaudata. This species can be distinguished by a short tail clearly from the other species, and performs a partially underground lifestyle.
  • Microgale cowani
  • Microgale dobsoni. This kind can including their fat reserves over 80 grams of reach, making it the heaviest known members of this genus.
  • Microgale drouhardi
  • Microgale dyas. This species inhabits a small area in northeastern Madagascar. Previously it was considered in danger of extinction, today the species is " only " to be at risk ( vulnerable ) listed.
  • Microgale fotsifotsy. This species was not described until 1997.
  • Microgale gracilis
  • Microgale gymnorhyncha
  • Microgale jenkinsae. This species was first described scientifically in 2004, it is considered endangered ( endangered ).
  • Microgale longicaudata. This species has the longest tail of all Kleintenreks and is the most pronounced tree-dwellers.
  • Microgale monticola
  • Microgale nasoloi. This species inhabits a small area and is considered endangered ( endangered ).
  • Microgale parvula. This type is one with only 5 grams of weight among the smallest representatives of this genus.
  • Microgale principula
  • Microgale pusilla
  • Microgale soricoides
  • Microgale taiva
  • Microgale talazaci
  • Microgale thomasi
Afrotheria Oldfield Thomas Mammal Species of the World
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