Tenrecs are small mammals, though they can come in a variety of body shapes. Although they may resemble shrews, hedgehogs, or otters, they are not closely related to any of these groups.

Unusual among placental mammals, the tenrec possesses a cloaca. They have a low body temperature, sufficiently so that they do not require a scrotum to cool their sperm. Most species are nocturnal and have poor eyesight, however their other senses are heightened, such as their incredibly sensitive whiskers. Most have long snouts and prickly spines.

Species

• lesser_hedgehog_tenrec
• potamogale (also known as "otter shrews")
• giant_potamogale
• streaked_tenrec
• lowland_streaked_tenrec

See also

• mammal
• afrosoricid
• tenrec