siistii matskuu
Order: Insectivora
Family: Erinaceidae
The family Erinaceidae consists of hedgehogs (subfamily Erinaceinae), and moonrats or gymnures (subfamily Hylomyinae). Hedgehogs can be easily distinguished from moonrats and gymnures by their barbless spines which cover their backs and sides. The Hylomyinae resemble primitive rodents with long muzzles. All members of this subfamily lack spines.
Fossil erinaceids are known from the middle Paleocene to the early Pliocene in North America (60-7 million years ago). The family also dates back to the early Miocene (25 million years ago) in Africa, the late Paleocene (55 million years ago) in Europe, and the Eocene (45 million years ago) in Asia.
The Hylomyinae comprises eight species in three genera (Echinosorex, Podogymnura and Hylomys). The genus Podogymnura contains two species: P. aureospinula and P. truei, both of which are restricted to the southern Philippines. These species are thought to be most closely related to the moonrat (Echinosorex gymnura), which is found on the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo.
Size: Head and body length: 130-50 mm
Tail length: 40-70 mm
Tail length: 40-70 mm
Weight: Unknown
The Mindanao gymnure is smaller in size than the Dinagat moonrat (P. aureospinula) and has longer, softer fur. The fur is reddish-brown in colour above, and brown on the underside. The tail is partially haired, and is a buffy to purplish flesh colour.
Little is known about the ecology of this species. One specimen had insects and worms in its stomach.
Found in primary and secondary forest above 1,300 m, and montane forest up to an altitude of 2,900 m.
Endemic to the Philippines. This species is known from Mt Apo, Mt McKinley, and Mt Katanglad on Mindanao Island.
Unknown.
Stable.
Classified as Endangered (EN B1+2c) by the 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, Heaney et al. (1997) recommend that the species be delisted since it occurs in high-elevation forest of low stature that has limited commercial value, and populations are relatively abundant and stable.
This species is no longer regarded as threatened since logging and agriculture is largely restricted to lowland areas. A recent study indicated that the species is tolerant of forest disturbance, and is relatively common in secondary forest.
There are no conservation measures in place.
The 1996 IUCN/SSC Eurasian Insectivores and Tree Shrews Action Plan recommends further research on the status, habitat requirements and threats facing the species.
Insectivore Specialist Group 1996. Podogymnura truei. In: IUCN 2006. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 09 August 2006.
Heaney, L. 2005 (pers. comm.).
Nowak, R.M. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World. Sixth edition. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore and London.
Stone, D. (Compiler) 1996. Eurasian Insectivores and Tree Shrews: Status, Survey and Conservation Action Plan. IUCN/SSC Insectivore, Tree Shrew and Elephant Shrew Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.
Distribution map based on data provided by the IUCN Global Mammal Assessment.
Heaney, L. 2005 (pers. comm.).
Nowak, R.M. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World. Sixth edition. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore and London.
Stone, D. (Compiler) 1996. Eurasian Insectivores and Tree Shrews: Status, Survey and Conservation Action Plan. IUCN/SSC Insectivore, Tree Shrew and Elephant Shrew Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.
Distribution map based on data provided by the IUCN Global Mammal Assessment.
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