Little is known about communication and perception of M. dryas, however other species of the genus Microgale have shown the following traits. They tend to have a well-developed sense of smell as well as tactile sense, especially through their whiskers (vibrissae). Some members of the genus produce a sound that may be used for communication, but sense of smell is likely the most important channel for communication. Agonism between unfamiliar individuals is a form of tactile communication. It is not known whether these animals use visual signals for communication.
Communication Channels: tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
The IUCN lists M. dryas as the only critically endangered member of the Tenrecidae. It has only been found in the Ambatovaky Special Reserve and is extremely rare. The ongoing major threat to this population is habitat loss due to slash and burn agriculture and destruction of the rainforests. It is listed as critically endangered because it is only found at a single location and the number of these animals is thought to be declining.
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: vulnerable
There are no known adverse affects of M. dryas on humans.
There are no known benefits that M. dryas has on humans. Because it is so rare, it is likely that it does not affect the ecosystem or humans greatly.
The role that M. dryas has in its ecosystem is unknown. It is not a common species, and has a very restricted range. Although it acts as predator for a variety of insects, it is not known how it impacts their populations. Similarly, although it may serve as prey to a number of other animals, it is not known whether it is an important prey item for these species, or how the availability of M. dryas as a food source affects these other animals.
M. dryas, like most other tenrecs, is primarily an insectivore. These animals consume a variety of invertebrates, including insects and arachnids. It is unknown whether M. dryas consumes plant materials or small vertebrates like its relatives in the family Tenrecidae.
Animal Foods: insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods
Primary Diet: carnivore (Insectivore )
Tree shrew tenrecs, Microgale dryas, have only been found at the Ambatovaky Special Reserve in north-eastern Madagascar. Ambatovaky is a nature reserve located 50km west of the town Soanierana-Ivongo on the eastern coast of Madagascar.
Biogeographic Regions: ethiopian (Native )
Other Geographic Terms: island endemic
M. dryas lives only in the tropical rainforest of north-eastern Madagascar. This region includes dense vegetation (mainly evergreen forests). The area is characterized having sharp-peaked mountains and some aquatic elements because of the presence of two relatively large rivers. M. dryas is solely terrestrial and occupies this dense habitat.
Range elevation: 0 to 2300 m.
Habitat Regions: tropical ; terrestrial
Terrestrial Biomes: rainforest ; mountains
The lifespan of M. dryas is not known. Members of the family Tenrecidae generally live up to 6 years in the wild.
Like other members of the genus Microgale, M. dryas is shrew-like in appearance. Its pelage is soft, short, and dense. It ranges in length from 170 to 180 mm, and weighs an average of 40 g. It is somewhat smaller than closely related species like M. dobsoni and M. gracilis. Microgale dryas can be distinguished from these species by its relatively short, grey tail and its distinctive pelage. The ventral pattern is generally reddish- or grey-brown. The dorsal pattern is unique because the guard hairs are long, with the mid-region of each hair flat and broad.
Average mass: 40 g.
Range length: 170 to 180 mm.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry
Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike
Predators of M. dryas are likely larger sized mammals, reptiles, and birds. Evidence of M. dryas was found in pellets from a Madagascar red owl. It is possible that the nocturnal behavior of M. dryas is an anti-predator adaptation. No other adaptations to avoid predation are known in this species.
Known Predators:
Reproductive and mating behavior of M. dryas is not well known. In other members of the genus, males and females may have stable relationships. Microgale dobsoni males and females associate with one another throught the year, and may be monogamous.
Although specific information about general reproductive behavior of M. dryas is unknown, the reproductive behaviors of other members of the genus Microgale are described below.
Reproduction generally begins with the onset of the rainy season in north-eastern Madagascar in September. Pregnancy lasts 2 to 3 months, and litters are generally born in November. There are generally between 1 and 4 offspring per litter. Females reproduce no more than twice in one year.
In M. talazaci, neonates weigh an average of 3.6 g. These young are weaned at about one month of age. Sexual maturity occurs at 21 months of age.
It is likely that M. dryas is like other members of the genus in these parameters.
Breeding interval: Tree shrew tenrecs probably reproduce 1 to 2 times per year.
Breeding season: Matingin the genus Microgale usually occurs in September or October
Range number of offspring: 1 to 4.
Range gestation period: 2 to 4 months.
Average weaning age: 1 months.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization ; viviparous
The specific parental investment and care patterns for M. dryas are not known. Information from related species in the same genus indicates that parental investment is similar to that of true shrews, Soricidae. Offspring are relatively helpless and remain in a nest guarded by the mother for about a month. Females of this genus care for the offspring, providing milk, grooming, and protection. The role of males in parental care has not been documented.
Parental Investment: no parental involvement; altricial ; female parental care ; pre-fertilization (Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-independence (Protecting: Female)
The dryad shrew tenrec (Microgale dryas), also known as the tree shrew tenrec, is a species of mammal in the family Tenrecidae. It is endemic to Madagascar. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.[2]
The dryad shrew tenrec (Microgale dryas), also known as the tree shrew tenrec, is a species of mammal in the family Tenrecidae. It is endemic to Madagascar. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
