Long-eared gymnure

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Long-earned gymnure
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Eulipotyphla
Family: Erinaceidae
Genus: Otohylomys
Lebedev, Abramov & Rozhnov, 2014 [2]
Species:
O. megalotis
Binomial name
Otohylomys megalotis
(Jenkins & M. F. Robinson, 2002)
Long-eared Gymnure area.png
Long-eared gymnure range

The long-eared gymnure (Otohylomys 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. [3] It is also recognized for its broad forefeet, stout claws, and naked hindfeet. [1] Previously classified in Hylomys , it is now the only species assigned to the genus Otohylomys. [4]

Contents

Etymology

The species epithet megalotis is derived from the two Greek words "megas" and "otos," which means "large" and "ears", respectively. [5]

Reproduction

The pregnancy lasts around six to seven weeks. They are born blind and hairless. However, the hedgehogs can start growing spiny hairs within 36-hours after birth. Only the mothers raise their young ones. [6]

Description

Otohylomys megalotis is a species of gymnure. Compared to species of the Hylomys genus, O. 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 O. megalotis is elongated, flattened, and moderately slender. [5]

Compared to the sizes of Hylomys, O. megalotis is medium in size. However, it has a 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 Hylomys species, O. megalotis has stronger and tougher teeth. [5]

Habitat and conservation

Otohylomys megalotis is primarily found in Khammouan Province, Laos, specifically in Khammouan Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area in Thakheck district. [1] It can also be found in the surroundings of Ban Muang and Ban Doy. [1] 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. [5]

Currently, there is no known threat to this species. [1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Chiozza, F. (2016). "Hylomys megalotis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2016: e.T136193A22324783. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T136193A22324783.en . Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  2. ↑ "Otohylomys Bannikova, Lebedev, Abramov & Rozhnov, 2014". Global Biodiversity Information Facility . Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  3. ↑ Hutterer, R. (2005). Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 218. ISBN   978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC   62265494.
  4. ↑ "Otohylomys megalotis (id=1003823)". ASM Mammal Diversity Database. American Society of Mammalogists . Retrieved 15 August 2025.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Jenkins, Paulina D; Robinson, Mark F (2002). "Another variation on the gymnure theme: description of a new species of Hylomys (Lipotyphla, Erinaceidae, Galericinae)". Bulletin of the Natural History Museum, Zoology Series. 68: 1–11. doi:10.1017/S0968047002000018.
  6. ↑ "Erinaceomorpha -- Prickly, Plump Pin-cushions". MammalsRUs. Mammalsrus.com. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
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