Tenrecidae
Systematic position: The Tenrecidae family belongs to the order Afrosoricida. While primarily insectivorous, these mammals impact agro-ecosystems through their digging behavior, which can cause significant disruption to the topsoil layer and plant root zones.
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Tenrecidae
Crops and damage: Tenrecs do not typically feed on crops, but their burrowing activity during foraging leads to mechanical damage of roots in vegetable gardens and cereal fields. When searching for earthworms or insect larvae, they uproot young plants and disrupt the soil structure, leading to stunted growth.
Biology and lifecycle: These animals are characterized by high reproductive rates and nocturnal habits. They build extensive burrow systems that can undermine the stability of the soil surface. Their cryptic nature makes monitoring difficult, as they are rarely seen during the day when agricultural inspections typically occur.
Economic impact: The damage caused is primarily indirect, focusing on the destruction of root systems and the creation of entry points for soil-borne pathogens. In high-density populations, their tunneling activity can significantly disrupt irrigation paths and reduce the overall yield of sensitive root crops.
Control measures: Sustainable management includes physical deterrents such as exclusion fencing and the frequent mechanical cultivation of soil to collapse burrow systems.
- Using ultrasonic repellents near vulnerable plots.
- Maintaining field cleanliness to reduce insect prey.
- Deep soil turning before the planting season.