Greater hedgehog tenrec

{{Short description|Species of mammal}} {{speciesbox | name = Greater hedgehog tenrec<ref name=msw3>{{MSW3 Afrosoricida | id = 11100047 | page = 77}}</ref> | image = Greater Hedgehog Tenrec (Setifer setosus) (9614561811).jpg | status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1 | status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 16 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Stephenson, P.J. |author2=Soarimalala, V. |author3=Goodman, S. |date=2016 |title=''Setifer setosus'' |volume=2016 |article-number=e.T40594A97203842 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T40594A97203842.en |access-date=16 November 2021}}</ref> | genus = Setifer | parent_authority = Froriep, 1806 | species = setosus | authority = (Schreber, 1778) | synonyms = * ''Dasogale fontoynonti'' Grandidier, 1929 (protonym) | range_map = Setifer setosus range map.svg | range_map_caption = Greater hedgehog tenrec range }}

The '''greater hedgehog tenrec''' ('''''Setifer setosus'''''), also known as the '''large Madagascar hedgehog''' or '''sokina''',<ref>Imerina Malagasy common name used in ''Stratégie Nationale pour la Gestion Durable de la Biodiversité'', publication of the Malagasy Ministry of the Environment [http://bch-cbd.naturalsciences.be/madagascar/implementation/doc/stratbio1.pdf Read the PDF]</ref> is a species of mammal in the family Tenrecidae. It is endemic to Madagascar. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical forests, shrubland and grassland, savanna, rural gardens, and urban areas.<ref name="iucn status 16 November 2021" />

It is the only species in the genus '''''Setifer'''''.<ref name=msw3/> Despite the close resemblance, it is not closely related to hedgehogs. Similarly to hedgehogs, neoplasia is common within the species and plays a significant role in morbidity and mortality.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Khoii |first1=Mina K. |last2=Howerth |first2=Elizabeth W. |last3=Burns |first3=Roy B. |last4=Carmichael |first4=K. Paige |last5=Gyimesi |first5=Zoltan S. |date=September 2008 |title=Spontaneous Neoplasia in Four Captive Greater Hedgehog Tenrecs (Setifer setosus) |url=https://bioone.org/journals/journal-of-zoo-and-wildlife-medicine/volume-39/issue-3/2007-0063.1/Spontaneous-Neoplasia-in-Four-Captive-Greater-Hedgehog-Tenrecs-Setifer-setosus/10.1638/2007-0063.1.full |journal=Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine |volume=39 |issue=3 |pages=392–397 |doi=10.1638/2007-0063.1 |pmid=18817002 |s2cid=22059010 |issn=1042-7260|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

== Distribution and habitat == Greater hedgehog tenrecs are found throughout the island of Madagascar and are endemic to this island.<ref name="ADW">{{Cite web|last=Owens|first=Rachel|title=Setifer setosus (greater hedgehog tenrec)|url=https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Setifer_setosus/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Animal Diversity Web|language=en}}</ref>

The island of Madagascar ranges from sea level to 2,250 meters above sea level, and Setifer setosus is found throughout the island, with the exception of wetlands and marshes. Greater hedgehog tenrecs are seen in urban areas and even in areas with extensive human disturbance. The prime habitat for greater hedgehog tenrecs are the eastern forests and lower elevations because of their eating habits, but they are found in wet and dry areas.<ref name="ADW" />

Greater hedgehog tenrecs are omnivores. They eat insects, grubs, and other invertebrates, as well as fruits, and will scavenge. They forage at ground level, although they are also known to climb.<ref name="ADW" />

==References== {{Reflist}}

greater hedgehog tenrec Category:Endemic fauna of Madagascar Category:Mammals of Madagascar greater hedgehog tenrec Category:Taxa named by Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber Category:Taxonomy articles created by Polbot