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Tenrec tactics

Tenrecs are extraordinary. They are possibly the most primitive living mammals. They also have the record for the most babies, 36 in one go. Some have spines for defence. Others have no spines, and instead bite to defend themselves. The large ones also hibernate, getting very fat before they do. This makes them very tasty to the local people who hunt them with dogs. The large tenrec eats earthworms. The tenrec's nearest relative is found in Cuba and Haiti.

This clip was first broadcast in 1961.

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3 minutes

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