Lesser Tenrec

Cypress is a lesser tenrec. The lesser tenrec is a kitten-sized, stout-bodied, nocturnal mammal endemic to Madagascar. Its back is covered in sharp, cream- and dark-colored spines, which serve as an effective defense when the animal rolls into a ball. It has a longish nose with sensitive whiskers and prominent ears, all useful in finding food and mates. Its eyes are tiny. This tenrec has zalambdodont dentition, meaning their molars form a V-shape. While aquatic tenrecs have webbed toes, the land-loving lesser variety does not. The lesser hedgehog tenrec has strong, grasping toes with tiny hooked claws, enabling them to keep a grip on all but the smoothest of surfaces. They can even hang by one foot or even a toe while climbing.