Discovery of strange, rare half-porcupine, half-mouse animal in Madagascar has people searching for it.

The striped tenrec is a peculiar little creature that looks like a cross between a hedgehog, porcupine and zebra. And he sports a mohawk!

Look at that amazing ‘hairdo’! Image credit: Alan Harper.

The lowland striped tenrec (Hemicentetes semispinosus), found only in Madagascar, is known for its unusual appearance as well as its peculiar behaviors and adaptations.

This adorable little creature (its average size is 140 mm or 5.5 inches) has spikes all over its body, which it uses to protect itself from predators. But the most notable feature of the striped tenrec’s appearance is its yellow or chestnut-brown stripes that run the length of its body over its prickly black coat, making it look like it’s wearing a little zebra costume. It’s hard not to smile when you see a striped tenrec running around with its cute stripes.

A tentrec sniffing something. Probably an earthworm. Image credit: Charles Hesse.

Now, let’s move on to some of the more interesting behaviors of the striped tenrec. One of the most unique things about these animals is their ability to echolocate. That’s right, like bats, striped tenrecs use sound waves to navigate their environment and find prey. They make clicking sounds with their mouths and then listen to the echoes to determine the location of their prey.

Additionally, the stridulation sounds produced by their specialized quills have also been linked to an echolocation function. It’s like they have their own little built-in sonar system!

Hello, a tentrec is coming! Image credit: Frank Vassen.

Before giving birth, a pregnant female will dig a depression in the ground inside the burrow, using her snout as a shovel. To deter potential predators, the striped tenrec will display its quills. If forced to confront another species, it will use a forceful headbutt in order to immobilize its opponent.

The lowland striped tenrec is active both day and night and feeds primarily on earthworms, although it may also consume other invertebrates. To facilitate foraging, it occasionally taps the ground with its front paws, which is believed to enhance worm activity. Like other tenrecs, it has a long snout suitable for digging in the ground and locating its food. However, the striped tenrec’s consumption of earthworms can cause tooth corrosion due to the tendency of dirt to cause scratches and pitting.

Lots of spikes and a mohawk. Image credit: Thierry Cordenos.

The striped tenrec is definitely a fascinating and adorable little animal that deserves more attention. But not too much attention, of course. So if you ever find yourself in Madagascar and encounter one of these little creatures, don’t get too close or you might find yourself on the receiving end of some of those black and yellow spikes!