Web-footed Tenrec

Web-footed Tenrec
Web-footed Tenrec
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Afrosoricida
Family: Tenrecidae
Genus: Limnogale
Major, 1896
Species: L. mergulus
Binomial name
Limnogale mergulus
Major, 1896
Web-footed Tenrec range

The Web-footed Tenrec, Otter Shrew, or Aquatic Tenrec (Limnogale mergulus) is the only known semiaquatic Malagasy tenrec (the African otter shrews have similar habits), and is found in eastern Madagascar, especially in and around Ranomafana National Park. It grows to between 25 and 39 cm, and was once thought to be extinct. It feeds on crabs, water insects, and crayfish. It weighs between 40 and 60 grams, and is considered vulnerable. It is the only species in the genus Limnogale.

Conservation

Researchers have collected web-footed tenrec scat at ten sites along streams in eastern Madagascar. Conservationists say too little is known about the species to determine what is threatening it.[2]

References

  1. ^ Afrotheria Specialist Group (Tenrec Section), Olson, L. & Goodman, S. (2008). Limnogale mergulus. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 29 December 2008.
  2. ^ "Forgotten species: Madagascar's water-loving mammal, the aquatic tenrec". Jeremy Hance. Mongabay.com. http://news.mongabay.com/2009/1112-hance_aquatictenrec.html. Retrieved 2010-02-14.