Notes on The Biology of The Tenrecidae

Abstract

Laboratory and field observations provide data on the life history and growth of Hemicentetes, Centetes, Echinops and Setifer. Comments on Geogale, Microgale (Nesogale) and Limnogale are also included. Similarities in courtship and agonistic behavior are noted. Some data on torpor indicate the irregularity of its occurrence, particularly in Hemicentetes semispinosus. A comparison of age at which the eyes open in four insectivore families indicates that tenrecs mature earliest, about 14 to 22 days in Talpidae, Soricidae and Erinaceidae, 7 to 13 days in Tenrecidae. Hemicentetes semispinosus and Echinops telfairi attain adult size at 6 to 8 weeks of age under laboratory conditions.