Microgale dobsoni
Dobson's shrew tenrec

All members of the genus Microgale are confined to Madagascar. Microgale dobsoni occurs in eastern and east-central Madagascar on the central high plateau.

Microgale dobsoni occurs generally in second growth deciduous forests subjected to seasonal rainfall and cool temperatures during the winter.

The mass of this small insectivore varies by season. Without fat reserves, an individual weighs between 34-45g. With fat reserves stored in the tail and body, a single individual in captivity reached 84g. All members of the genus Microgale possess a cloaca (a single opening for the digestive, urinary and reproductive tracts), a trait that is considered primitive for mammals. Microgale dobsoni is shrew-like in general appearance, has a grey-brown back, a grey belly, and a tail almost as long as its head and body. Measurements: Head-Body: 92-114mm; Tail: 102-108mm; Hind Foot: 19-24mm.

Microgale dobsoni is solitary and live in populations with individuals well spaced in the wild. They are primarily nocturnal and communicate with sound and scent. Vocalizations range from a soft twittering squeak to a loud scream. Both males and females give a repeated soft squeak during initial contact with unknown conspecifics. It is thought that this vocalization serves to reduce aggression and facilitate contact, especially between males and females. If interactions between conspecifics become aggressive, one or both interactors will give a loud repeated squeal. Finally, if threatened by a hostile conspecific or a predator, the animal will emit a single piercing scream. Shrew tenrecs also communicate by scent. Both male and female shrew tenrecs will mark areas with secretions from their cloacal openings as they move through a new area or during male-female encounters. Shrew tenrecs groom themselves by spreading saliva over their face and paws. It is possible that this saliva may function in olfactory communication during conspecific contact. Microgale dobsoni does not usually enter torpor, but if the animal has sufficient fat reserves, it will become inactive, eat less and allow its body temperature to fluctuate to some degree with the ambient temperature.

Microgale dobsoni is insectivorous. In captivity, it readily eats insects, earthworms and raw ground meat. In the wild, it probably subsists on a diet of insects supplemented with ant eggs.

None known.

None known.

This species of Microgale is not specifically threatened, but the island of Madagascar is rapidly losing much of its endemic fauna due to rapid deforestation of the tropical rainforest. Microgale dobsoni's ability to live in second growth forest may save it from extinction.