It is the only member of the genus Tenrec. It is the only known recently extinct tenrec. It is the largest of three tenrec subfamilies. Microgale macpheei is an extinct shrew tenrec from southeastern Madagascar. Near-endemic mammals include the Large-eared Tenrec ("Geogale aurita"), and the Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec ("Echinops telfairi"). The lowland streaked tenrec is active both during the day and at night. The lesser hedgehog tenrec has become popular in the exotic pet industry. The tailless tenrec is the largest species of the tenrec family, Tenrecidae. The lesser hedgehog tenrec ("Echinops telfairi") resembles its namesake the hedgehog. Tenrecinae is a tenrec subfamily endemic to the island of Madagascar. The lesser hedgehog tenrec ("Echinops telfairi") is a species of mammal in the family Tenrecidae. The large-eared tenrec ("Geogale aurita") is a species of mammal in the family Tenrecidae. The large-eared tenrec has a low metabolic rate and is heterothermic. The temporal muscles, sagittal, and nuchal crests are weaker compared to other tenrec species.