Meet This New Creature That Looks Like A Cross Between A Hedgehog And A Bumblebee
Madagascar keeps turning up animals that look like they were designed by committee, and the lowland streaked tenrec is one of the strangest examples yet.
At first glance, this tiny rainforest mammal looks like a mashup of a hedgehog and a bumblebee, with spines, bold stripes, and a bright pattern that makes it stand out in the leaves. It lives in a limited part of Madagascar, where its unusual look and defensive habits help it survive in the wild.
That odd little combination has made the tenrec a favorite among animal lovers, and its story gets even more interesting from there.
It also releases its spines in case of danger.
If it senses a predator, it arranges the spines on its neck and head into a mohawk and attacks headfirst. It may release its quills if necessary, and they grow back quickly as well.
This is similar to the tiny elephant shrew, spotted alive after 50 years missing.
The spines of tenrecs also act as a communication device.
Similar to grasshoppers and crickets, they use a method called stridulation to communicate within their family group. They generate high-pitched vibrations by rubbing the special spines located on their backs.
These vibrations can only be heard and understood by other tenrecs. Tenrecs are the only animals that resemble mice and produce such vibrations.
They locate and court a partner through a method that involves a sniffing ritual. Amazingly, they can have around 11 offspring each year, and both parents look after them.
They have a rapid growth rate and are ready to leave their burrows just a week after being born. It takes only a month for them to mature.
While the Lowland Streaked Tenrecs may not be an endangered species yet, they are close to losing their natural habitat. If the forest disappears, they may also become endangered.
They are not widely known, as they are only found in specific locations. However, their impressive hairstyle and unusual communication are helping them gain many fans.
For more disguise tricks, check out the leaf-tailed gecko that looks like a dead leaf.
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