Geogale aurita
| Large-eared tenrec | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Afrosoricida |
| Family: | Tenrecidae |
| Subfamily: |
Geogalinae Trouessart, 1881 |
| Genus: |
Geogale Milne-Edwards & A. Grandidier, 1872 |
| Species: | G. aurita |
| Binomial name | |
|
Geogale aurita Milne-Edwards & A. Grandidier, 1872 |
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| Large-eared tenrec range | |
The large-eared tenrec (Geogale aurita) is a species of mammal in the family Tenrecidae. It is monotypic, being the only species in its genus Geogale. It is endemic to Madagascar where its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. It is threatened by habitat loss, but to a lesser extent than was previously thought and is listed by the IUCN as being of "Least Concern".
The large-eared tenrec is a small shrew-like animal with short, soft fur, a long hairy tail and large projecting ears. Adults weigh between 5 and 8 grams (0.18 and 0.28 oz) and measure 60 to 75 millimetres (2.4 to 3.0 in) in length, with a tail half as long again. The dorsal (upper) surface is greyish brown or reddish brown and the ventral (under) surface is buffish white. The large-eared tenrec differs from other tenrecs in the family by having 34 teeth instead of 36. It is also unique within the family in that females come into oestrus while they are lactating and so are able to be carrying one litter while still feeding another.
The large-eared tenrec feeds on insects, particularly termites which it locates by sound. It is itself preyed on by several predators including the barn owl (Tyto alba), the Madagascar owl (Asio madagascariensis), the Malagasy cat-eye snake (Madagascarophis colubrinus) and the narrow-striped mongoose (Mungotictis decemlineata).
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