The long-eared gymnure (''Hylomys megalotis'') is a

eulipotyphla Eulipotyphla (, which means "truly fat and blind") is an order of mammals suggested by molecular methods of phylogenetic reconstruction, which includes the laurasiatherian members of the now-invalid polyphyletic order Lipotyphla, but not the afr ...

n that is found in

Laos Laos (, ''Lāo'' )), officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic ( Lao: ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ, French: République démocratique populaire lao), is a socialist ...

. This specific type of

gymnure Gymnures, also called hairy hedgehogs or moonrats, are mammals belonging to the subfamily Galericinae, in the family Erinaceidae and the order Eulipotyphla. Gymnures resemble rats but are not closely related as they are not rodents; they are ...

has long ears and a long skull compared to that of others. It is also recognized for its broad forefeet, stout claws, and naked hindfeet.

Etymology

The term ''Hylomys'' is referred as lesser gymnures. 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. The members of Erinaceidae are considered to be omnivores, and some of their foods are insects, frogs, mice, fruits, and roots. There are two types of Erinaceidae:

Erinaceinae A hedgehog is a spiny mammal of the subfamily Erinaceinae, in the eulipotyphlan family Erinaceidae. There are seventeen species of hedgehog in five genera found throughout parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and in New Zealand by introducti ...

(hedgehog) and

Galericinae Gymnures, also called hairy hedgehogs or moonrats, are mammals belonging to the subfamily Galericinae, in the family Erinaceidae and the order Eulipotyphla. Gymnures resemble rats but are not closely related as they are not rodents; they are i ...

(gymnure). 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

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.

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. Currently, there is no known threat to this species.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q2205265 Hylomys Mammals of Laos Mammals of Asia Endemic fauna of Laos Mammals described in 2002