Scientific Name:
Echinops telfairi
Class:
Mammalia
Order:
Insectivora
Family:
Tenrecidae
Feeding Type:
Omnivorous
Range:
Southern and Southwestern Madagascar
Habitat:
Dry forests and dry costal regions
Diet in the Wild:
Invertebrates
Diet at the Zoo: 
Crickets, bananas, cucumbers, Bird of Prey diet
Longevity:
Up to 13 years in captivity
Description:
The tenrec is about 5 ½ to 7 ½ inches long, and weighs about 3 ½ ounces. They are usually light brown in color, with a pale brown face. They have small forward facing eyes, and big ears. The fur on their back is rough and prickly, wheras the fur on their underside is soft and short.
Adaptation/Behavior:
When threatened, tenrecs curl up into a ball with their faces closely tucked into their bellies. They then criss-cross their spiny fur on their backs. They will also stamp their feet when threatened. Tenrecs have sharp incisors that they use to penetrate the exoskeleton of insects. Hunting at night, tenrecs rely on their keen sense of smell and hearing.
Courtship/Breeding:
When the female is ready to mate, she emits an odor that stimulates the secretion of milky substance from the male’s eye. Gestation period is about 63 days, and 2 to 10 young are common. Young males mature at 8 ½ months, while females at 14 months.
Conservation: 
Pygmy hedgehog tenrecs are at a lower risk