Tenrecs are small, insectivorous mammals sometimes allied with the insectivores and sometimes with a hodge-podge of African mammals simply called 'afrotheres'.  Tenrecs are certainly odd mammals, in any case, lacking jugal (cheek) bones and a constant body temperature.  The greatest tenrecid diversity is to be found in Africa and Madagascar, but several species dwell in western Eurasia, while their fossil record shows even greater distribution during the Pliocene.

(Text by Daniel Bensen)

SAMPLE TAXA:

• Stinky tenrec

Works Referenced:
Debbie Ciszek and Phil Myers's Tenrecidae