Microgale longicaudata
lesser long-tailed shrew tenrec

Microgale longicaudata is endemic to Madagascar. This species is specifically located in the Northern and Eastern parts of the country, ranging from the Parc National de la Montange d' Ambre at 12 degrees South to the Parc National d'Andonhahela at 25 degrees South. ()

Long-tailed tenrecs, M.longicaudata, are terrestrial mammals with a preference for areas of dense vegetation. They can be found in various habitats located across Madagascar, including Eastern humid forest, Central highlands, the mountainous Northern highlands, Sambirano lowland forest, Western deciduous dry forest, and the isolated humid forest of Montange d' Ambre. They inhabit elevations of from 440 m above sea level to 1990 m. ()

M. longicaudata is small, weighing only 5 to 12 g, and measuring 75 to 158 mm in total length. Like other members of the genus, M. longicaudata has an exceeding long, prehensile tail. The tail is usually is 1.5 to 2.6 times the length of the body. The tail is composed of 47 vertebrae, which is more than any other mammal besides the pangolins. The tail is used by these animals in their climbing and richocheting locomotion. To aid in their semi-arboreal and scansorial lifestyle, M. longicaudata also possess elongated hindfeet and digits. ()

Although data on this particular species are lacking, the genus Microgale is known to possess coats composed of a soft dark brown to black fur on the back with a gray or lead colored belly. ()

Since the testes, which have a volume of 50 mm^3, are found in the abdominal area and do not descend into a scrotum, there is very little to rely on for external physical cues to determine sex. Males and females are almost indistinguishable from one another. ()

The animals are very much like shews, except they have ears are conspicuous, and project above the fur. Their dental formula is 3/3 1/1 3/3 3/3. ()

Information is unknown.

Members of the genus Microgale are known to be solitary in nature. M. longicaudata has a nocturnal activity pattern and resembles a shrew in terms of lifestyle. It uses its hind limbs and elongated prehensile tail for climbing and richochetting among tree branches in forest habitats. ()

Home Range

Home range size for these animals is unknown.

With reduced eye size, visual cues are not thought to be very important to these animals. Microgale relies mainly on tactile, chemical, and auditory communication. ()

Vocal communication ranges from a soft squeak to a trill. Wails are associated with submissive behavior. Squeaks are used when animals are in a defensive mode, and a buzzing is often produced during attacks. ()

Tactile communication includes nose to nose contact, nose to ear, nose to genital region, as well as full body rubbing. ()

Chemical communication may be involved in the practice of saliva spreading, which has been observed in tenrecs. Although there is little research on chemical communication in these animals, it is thought that chemical signals are also involved when the Microgale touches its nose to glandular areas on its body, such as the ear, forehead, or cloaca. ()

Members of the genus Microgale are known to be insectivorous. Specifically, M. longicaudata is known to consume various invertebrates including Coleoptera (beetles), Hymenoptera (bees, wasps,and ants), Orthoptera (grasshoppers), Arachnida (spiders and ticks), and Amphipoda (flat bodied crustaceans). ()

Although specific information for M. longicaudata is not available, members of the genus Microgale fall prey to large reptiles, birds, and mammals. M. taiva is known to occasionally consume congeners M. longicaudata, M. principula, and M. cawani. However, there were only seven instances of this cannibalism, which occurred in pitfall trapping and may have resulted from the absence of an escape, rather than the true nature of M. taiva. ()

M. longicaudata acts as both prey and predator in its ecosystem, although any influential role is either not present or remains undiscovered at this time. M. longicaudata is known to serve as host for several parasites, including Eimeria, Babesia (a vertebrate blood cell parasite), L.(M.) calcaratua, L.(A.) papillosus, and L.(M.) uniformis. ()

No economic importance has been documented for these animals.

No economic importance for this species has been documented.

These animals are not known to be a conservation concern. Although not evaluated, it is likely that they are somewhat vulnerable to habitat loss, as are many other animals in Madagascar.