| Web-footed Tenrec | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Afrosoricida |
| Family: | Tenrecidae |
| Genus: | Limnogale Major, 1896 |
| Species: | L. mergulus |
| Binomial name | |
| Limnogale mergulus Major, 1896 |
|
| Web-footed Tenrec range | |
The Web-footed Tenrec, Otter Shrew, or Aquatic Tenrec (Limnogale mergulus) is the only known semiaquatic Malagasy tenrec (the African otter shrews have similar habits), and is found in eastern Madagascar, especially in and around Ranomafana National Park. It grows to between 25 and 39 cm, and was once thought to be extinct. It feeds on crabs, water insects, and crayfish. It weighs between 40 and 60 grams, and is considered vulnerable. It is the only species in the genus Limnogale.
Researchers have collected web-footed tenrec scat at ten sites along streams in eastern Madagascar. Conservationists say too little is known about the species to determine what is threatening it.[2]