The tenrec, another remarkable mammal.
Madagascar may be well known for its lemurs, but another remarkable mammal to be found on the island is the tenrec. Although some varieties resemble a hedgehog, even curl up into a prickly ball, they are not related. It seems they have a common ancestor with the elephant. Hard to believe as the smallest species is about 4.5 centimetres long and weighs about 0.5 grams. The tailless tenrec, another of the 34 different species, is special because of the number of young in one litter, 32 is not unusual. The yellow striped tenrecs communicate by vibrating together their spines; another unique characteristic, not to be found in any other animal. As all tenrecs are nocturnal it is not easy to spot them.