Long-eared gymnure
{{Short description|Species of mammal}}
{{Speciesbox
| name = Long-earned gymnure
| image =
| status = DD
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| genus = Hylomys
| species = megalotis
| authority = Jenkins & M. F. Robinson, 2002
| range_map = Long-eared Gymnure area.png
| range_map_caption = Long-eared gymnure range
}}
The long-eared gymnure (Hylomys megalotis) is a eulipotyphlan that is found in Laos. This specific type of gymnure has long ears and a long skull compared to that of others.{{MSW3 Hutterer | pages = 218}} It is also recognized for its broad forefeet, stout claws, and naked hindfeet.
Etymology
The term Hylomys is referred as lesser gymnures.{{cite journal|last1=Bannikova|first1=Anna A.|last2=Lebedev|first2=Vladimir S.|last3=Abramov|first3=Alexei V.|last4=Rozhnov|first4=Viatcheslav V.|title=Contrasting Evolutionary History of Hedgehogs and Gymnures (Mammalia: Erinaceomorpha) as Inferred from a Multigene Study|journal=Biological Journal of the Linnean Society|date=January 3, 2014|volume=112|issue=3|pages=499–519|doi=10.1111/bij.12299|doi-access=}} The term megalotis is derived from the two Greek words "megas" and "otos," which means "large" and "ears", respectively.
Taxonomic overview
Hylomys megalotis is from the family Erinaceidae. Some special physical features of Erinaceidae are that they have rounded bodies, pointed noses, and short tails.{{cite web|title=Erinaceidae - gymnures, hedgehogs|url=http://www.nhptv.org/wild/erinaceidae.asp|website=Wildlife Journal Junior|publisher=New Hampshire Public Television|access-date=7 December 2014}} The members of Erinaceidae are considered to be omnivores,{{cite web|title=Erinaceomorpha -- Prickly, Plump Pin-cushions|url=http://www.mammalsrus.com/eutheria/erinaceomorpha/erinaceomorpha.html|website=MammalsRUs|publisher=Mammalsrus.com|access-date=7 December 2014}} and some of their foods are insects, frogs, mice, fruits, and roots.
There are two types of Erinaceidae: Erinaceinae (hedgehog) and Galericinae (gymnure).{{cite journal
| last = Jenkins
| first = Paulina D
|author2=Robinson, Mark F
| year = 2002
| title = Another variation on the gymnure theme: description of a new species of Hylomys (Lipotyphla, Erinaceidae, Galericinae)
| journal = Bulletin of the Natural History Museum, Zoology Series
| volume = 68
| pages = 1–11
| url = http://biostor.org/reference/113676
| doi = 10.1017/S0968047002000018
}}
Hedgehogs are nocturnals and have sharp, spiny fur on their backs. Furthermore, hedgehogs are usually found in Africa, Europe, and Asia. On the other hand, gymnures are diurnals and do not have spines. Instead, gymnures usually have stiff, bristly furs, and they produce a pungent smell when they feel threatened. Unlike hedgehogs, gymnures are usually found in South-East Asia and other tropical countries.
Reproduction
Description
Hylomys megalotis is a type of gymnure. Compared to other Hylomys species, H. megalotis has rounder, more prominent, and larger ears. Its soles and tarsals are naked, and it has long and moderately stout claws. The skull of H. megalotis is elongated, flattened, and moderately slender.
Among the sizes of Hylomys, H. megalotis is medium in size. However, they have longer tail. Its tail is about 75% of its head and body length. Instead of having flattened spinous hairs, it has grey, long, soft and fine furs. Unlike other Hylomys species, H. megalotis has stronger and tougher teeth.
Habitat and conservation
Hylomys megalotis is primarily found in Khammouan Province, Laos, specifically in Khammouan Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area in Thakheck district. It can also be found in the surroundings of Ban Muang and Ban Doy. It is typically found in areas where there are massive limestone karst that is covered in large boulders, with heavily degraded mixture of deciduous forest, scrub, and bamboos.