Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Afrosoricida
- Family
- Tenrecidae
- Genus
- Microgale
Habitat
This species inhabits the eastern rainforests of Madagascar, preferring humid, lowland forests with dense undergrowth and leaf litter. It is often found in areas with abundant vegetation cover, avoiding open or dry regions.
Diet
The Lesser long-tailed shrew tenrec primarily feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, which it forages for in the leaf litter. It is nocturnal and uses its sensitive snout to detect prey, typically hunting alone during the night.
Behavior
This shrew tenrec is primarily nocturnal, spending its days hidden in burrows or under logs and emerging at night to forage. It is solitary and territorial, marking its area with scent glands and avoiding interactions with others except during mating. They are agile climbers and swimmers, using these skills to escape predators or find food.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Least Concern, with a stable population trend, though habitat loss from deforestation poses a potential threat.