Web-footed tenrec

Web-footed tenrec
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Afrosoricida
Suborder: Tenrecomorpha
Family: Tenrecidae
Genus: Microgale
Species:
M. mergulus
Binomial name
Microgale mergulus
Web-footed tenrec range
Synonyms

Limnogale mergulus Major, 1896

The web-footed tenrec, Malagasy otter shrew, or aquatic tenrec (Microgale mergulus) is the only known semiaquatic tenrec (the related African otter shrews have similar habits), and is found in eastern Madagascar, especially in and around Ranomafana National Park.[2] It grows to between 25 and 39 cm (9.8 and 15.4 in), and was once thought to be extinct. It feeds on crabs, aquatic insects, and crayfish. The population is considered vulnerable. It was formerly placed in the monotypic genus Limnogale,[3] but has been moved to Microgale based on molecular data showing it to be deeply nested within the latter.[4]

  1. ^ Stephenson, P.J.; Soarimalala, V.; Goodman, S. (2016). "Limnogale mergulus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016. IUCN: e.T11979A97189690. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T11979A97189690.en. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  2. ^ Hance, Jeremy (2009-11-12). "Forgotten species: Madagascar's water-loving mammal, the aquatic tenrec". Mongabay Environmental News. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
  3. ^ Bronner, G.N.; Jenkins, P.D. (2005). "Order Afrosoricida". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 72. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
  4. ^ Everson, K. M.; Soarimalala, V.; Goodman, S. M.; Olson, L. E. (2016). "Multiple Loci and Complete Taxonomic Sampling Resolve the Phylogeny and Biogeographic History of Tenrecs (Mammalia: Tenrecidae) and Reveal Higher Speciation Rates in Madagascar's Humid Forests". Systematic Biology. 65 (5): 890–909. doi:10.1093/sysbio/syw034. PMID 27103169.