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 typically found at elevations below 1,000 meters, avoiding open or degraded areas.
Diet
Thomas's shrew tenrec primarily eats insects, earthworms, and other invertebrates, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey. It forages actively at night, often digging in soil or leaf litter for food items.
Behavior
Thomas's shrew tenrec is solitary and nocturnal, spending its days in burrows or under logs and emerging at night to forage. It exhibits territorial behavior, marking areas with scent glands, and is generally quiet with minimal social interactions. This species is agile and uses its elongated snout to probe for food in the undergrowth.
Conservation Status
IUCN status is Least Concern, with a stable population trend, though habitat loss from deforestation poses a potential threat in Madagascar.