Lowland Streaked Tenrec Skull Replica

Description

Lowland streaked tenrec skull replica measures 1.8 x 0.8 x0.7 inches. The Hemicentetes semispinosus is a museum-quality polyurethane resin cast from a private collector. 2-part skull (separate cranium and mandible). 1:1 scale. Made in USA.

The lowland streaked tenrec lives in the tropical rain forests of northern and eastern Madagascar. This small animal has striking black and yellow striped fur. It grows scattered quills across its body to protect itself from predators. This species vibrates these quills to produce a faint chattering sound, which family members use to communicate.

Its diet consists mostly of earthworms. It also preys on other invertebrates and eats fruit. They use their long snout to poke around in the ground for food. They use a very clever trick to find food by stamping their front paws on the ground to increase earthworm activity for easier foraging.

They have sensory hairs scattered on their backs. These hairs act just like whiskers. It has elongated hands and on its second, third, and fourth fingers. These body parts act as their main tools for digging underground.

The middle of the skull is long and low, and the roof of the mouth is narrow. The jaw and skull bones have smaller shapes than normal. Small spread-out teeth sit far forward on the jaw.

Continuous deforestation threatens these animals by destroying their natural habitat. Local people also hunt this species for food.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Afrosoricida
• Suborder: Tenrecomorpha
• Family: Tenrecidae
• Genus: Hemicentetes
• Species: H. semispinosus
• Binomial name: Hemicentetes semispinosus
• Conservation status: Least concern

Pairing the lowland streaked tenrec with the golden-rumped elephant shrew skull replica, the Hispaniolan solenodon skull replica, and the Eurasian hedgehog skull replica creates a incredible diversity of insectivore cranial adaptations.