The Tenrecs are a range of small mammals found in Madagascar and parts of Africa. They have diversed to fill a range of niches, especially on Madagascar. There are aquatic Otter Tenrec, spiky Hedgehog Tenrec, and this vividly coloured Lowland Streaked Tenrec, arboreal species, burrowing species and the rotund and plump Common (or Tailless) Tenrec. Tenrec follow a mainly insectivorous diet, although some also consume fruit. The Lowland Streaked can erect her spines to deter predators. Those around her head are barbed, and can be angled to drive into a predator's face. The ones on her back are not barbed, and are used for communication; she vibrates them to produce a faint start. She can give birth to litters of up to 8 youngsters, the Common Tenrec can manage up to 35.
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