Mindanao gymnure
The Mindanao rats hedgehogs ( Podogymnura truei ) is one of two species of the Philippines rats hedgehogs within the hedgehog ( Erinaceidae ). It is endemic to the Philippines and lives in Mindanao.
Features
The Mindanao rats hedgehogs reach a snout-vent length from 19.0 to 21.1 centimeters and a tail length of 5.9 to 7.3 centimeters. It is significantly smaller than the Dinagat rats hedgehogs ( Podogymnura aureospinula ) and the Great Rat Hedgehog ( Echinosorex Gymnura ). In contrast to Dinagat rats hedgehog his back coat is not riddled with thorns. Other differences are the lack of increase in the frontal region of the skull and dental characteristics.
Dissemination
The Mindanao rats hedgehog is endemic to the Philippines. Its distribution is limited to the provinces of Bukidnon, Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur on the island of Mindanao.
The height distribution is 1300-2900 meters. The species is mainly known from the mountains in the center of the island, which belongs to the Mount Kita Glad, from the region around Mount Apo and the mountains in the south of the island. Distribution areas in the east of the island are not known, but it is assumed that the species occurs in the mountainous districts of this island region.
Way of life
Over the life of the Mindanao rats Hedgehog There is very little information. The species is found primarily in upland older forest stands ( primary forest ) and wetland forests. Its adaptability to changing areas is unknown, since most of its habitats is original nature.
System
The Mindanao rats hedgehogs is assigned as one of the two types of the Philippines rats hedgehogs ( Podogymnura ) within the hedgehog ( Erinaceidae ). Subspecies are not described. The closest related species is the Dinagat rats hedgehogs ( Podogymnura aureospinula ), which is found mainly on Dinagat. The describer of Podogymnura aureospinula represent that the classification of the two types of its own, then monotypic, genus due to the features and differences would be acceptable also in each case.
Threats and conservation
The species is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources ( IUCN) as not at risk ( least concern ). This is justified by the very regular presence of the species within its distribution area and the fact that the used habitats are exposed to acute danger. The Mindanao rats hedgehog is called a common Kleinsäugerart at Mount Kalatungan, it is also used frequently in the higher regions of Mount Apo. The mountain forests are of little commercial value, thus a deforestation in the distribution area unlikely.