Perception Channels: tactile ; chemical
This species of Microgale is not specifically threatened, but the island of Madagascar is rapidly losing much of its endemic fauna due to rapid deforestation of the tropical rainforest. Microgale dobsoni's ability to live in second growth forest may save it from extinction.
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern
None known.
None known.
Microgale dobsoni is insectivorous. In captivity, it readily eats insects, earthworms and raw ground meat. In the wild, it probably subsists on a diet of insects supplemented with ant eggs.
All members of the genus Microgale are confined to Madagascar. Microgale dobsoni occurs in eastern and east-central Madagascar on the central high plateau.
Biogeographic Regions: ethiopian (Native )
Microgale dobsoni occurs generally in second growth deciduous forests subjected to seasonal rainfall and cool temperatures during the winter.
Terrestrial Biomes: forest ; scrub forest
Average lifespan
Status: captivity: 5.6 years.
Average lifespan
Status: wild: 5.6 years.
The mass of this small insectivore varies by season. Without fat reserves, an individual weighs between 34-45g. With fat reserves stored in the tail and body, a single individual in captivity reached 84g. All members of the genus Microgale possess a cloaca (a single opening for the digestive, urinary and reproductive tracts), a trait that is considered primitive for mammals. Microgale dobsoni is shrew-like in general appearance, has a grey-brown back, a grey belly, and a tail almost as long as its head and body. Measurements: Head-Body: 92-114mm; Tail: 102-108mm; Hind Foot: 19-24mm.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Average mass: 37.8 g.
Average basal metabolic rate: 0.315 W.
Very little is known about the reproduction of M. dobsoni in the wild. In captivity, copulation occurs from December to August and young are born from February to May. When M. dobsoni was trapped in the wild during the month of April, no lactating females were captured and none of the animals were fully adult. This suggests that the breeding season is considerably shorter in the wild than in captivity.
Key Reproductive Features: gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual
Average birth mass: 3.95 g.
Average gestation period: 61 days.
Average number of offspring: 2.67.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)
Sex: male: 669 days.
Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)
Sex: female: 669 days.
