Tenrecinae

Tenrecinae is a subfamily of the Tenrecidae, a family of small to medium-sized mammals within the Afrotheria clade. The subfamily, together with Oryzorictinae, forms the two major divisions of Tenrecidae. Members are endemic to Madagascar, where they occupy a wide range of habitats from rainforests to grasslands and agricultural areas.

Physically, Tenrecinae members show notable diversity. Some species are spiny or bristly, while others have softer fur. They generally have elongated snouts used to forage for invertebrates, small vertebrates, fruits, and other foods. Most species are nocturnal and terrestrial, though some may climb trees or live in burrows.

Ecologically, Tenrecinae are adaptable omnivores with diets that vary by species and season. They play roles as insectivores and, in some cases, as seed dispersers, contributing to the dynamics of Madagascar’s forest ecosystems. Reproduction within Tenrecinae is diverse; many species give birth to multiple young after a gestation period, and litter sizes can be relatively large for their size.

Taxonomically, Tenrecinae is one of the two subfamilies of Tenrecidae; molecular studies place the family within Afrotheria, a superorder that also includes elephants and manatees. Conservation status varies by species; habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation in Madagascar threaten several members of the group.