Web-footed Tenrec
VU

Web-footed Tenrec

Limnogale mergulus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web-footed_tenrec

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Web-footed Tenrec faces severe pressure from habitat degradation as Madagascar's freshwater ecosystems are increasingly polluted by agricultural runoff and sedimentation from deforestation. Its specialized semi-aquatic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to water quality changes, while introduced predators like cats and dogs pose additional threats to remaining populations. The species' extremely limited range along select waterways in eastern Madagascar means that local habitat destruction can have disproportionate impacts on the entire population.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Web-footed Tenrec inhabits fast-flowing streams and rivers in the humid forests of eastern Madagascar, particularly favoring areas with rocky substrates and dense riparian vegetation. This semi-aquatic species requires clean, well-oxygenated water with abundant invertebrate prey and adjacent forest cover for shelter and nesting.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Web-footed Tenrec classified as Vulnerable?
Web-footed Tenrec is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Web-footed Tenrec faces severe pressure from habitat degradation as Madagascar's freshwater ecosystems are increasingly polluted by agricultural runoff and sedimentation from deforestation. Its specialized semi-aquatic lifestyle makes it particularly vulnerable to water quality changes, while introduced predators like cats and dogs pose additional threats to remaining populations. The species' extremely limited range along select waterways in eastern Madagascar means that local habitat destruction can have disproportionate impacts on the entire population.
Where does Web-footed Tenrec live?
Web-footed Tenrec occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Web-footed Tenrec?
The main threats to Web-footed Tenrec are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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