Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Afrosoricida
- Family
- Tenrecidae
- Genus
- Microgale
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits the eastern rainforests of Madagascar, including humid forests and areas with dense undergrowth. It prefers leaf litter and moist environments for foraging, and can also be found in secondary forests and plantations up to elevations of about 1,500 meters.
Diet
The Least shrew tenrec feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, as well as other small invertebrates like spiders. It uses its sensitive snout to detect and capture prey, primarily foraging at night in leaf litter or on the ground.
Behavior
The Least shrew tenrec is solitary and nocturnal, spending its days hidden in burrows or under leaf litter to avoid predators. It exhibits territorial behavior, marking areas with scent glands, and communicates through high-pitched vocalizations during encounters. It is agile and quick, often darting through vegetation while foraging.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Least Concern, with a stable population trend, though habitat loss due to deforestation poses a potential threat.