Javan short-tailed gymnure

Taxonomy

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Eulipotyphla
Family:	Erinaceidae
Genus:	Hylomys
Species:	Hylomys suillus

Not a ‘real’ hedgehog

The Javan Short-tailed Gymnure is related to hedgehogs through the same family (Erinaceidae), but it belongs to the subfamily Galericinae, or hairy hedgehogs. Like their spiny relatives, gymnures are small, insectivorous mammals with strong senses of smell and hearing. However, they lack spines, cannot curl into a ball, and are covered in coarse fur. Their body shape, short tails, and agile movements resemble shrews or rodents more than true hedgehogs. Despite these differences, they share a common ancestry and similar ecological roles in the ecosystems they inhabit.

Natural range & habitat

The Javan Short-tailed Gymnure has a broad distribution across parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, including the islands of Java and Sumatra. It inhabits tropical lowland and montane forests, ranging from sea level up to elevations above 1,500 meters. It prefers moist, shaded environments with abundant leaf litter, such as primary and secondary forest floors, but has also been found in disturbed habitats, showing a notable degree of ecological flexibility.

Physical traits

This species is small and sturdy, with a body length of 10–14 cm and a short tail measuring just a few centimeters. It weighs between 30–100 grams. The fur is coarse and typically brownish or grey, helping it blend into the forest floor. It has a pointed snout, rounded ears, and short limbs adapted for scurrying through dense vegetation. Compared to some of its relatives, it has a relatively compact body and a reduced tail, giving it a distinct silhouette.

Behavior & lifestyle

Javan Short-tailed Gymnures are nocturnal and solitary. They spend the night foraging for food and the day hiding in leaf litter, under logs, or in burrows. They do not hibernate and are active throughout the year. Agile and quick, they rely on stealth and speed rather than defense. Their foraging style involves sniffing and rooting in soft soil and debris. Though they are not often seen, signs of their activity include small diggings and faint trails in the underbrush.

Communication

These gymnures likely use scent marking to establish territory and recognize individuals. Their communication may also include soft vocalizations, such as grunts or squeaks, especially during courtship or conflict. As in other Galericinae, chemical signals probably play an important role in reproduction and territoriality, though direct observations remain limited.

Diet in the wild

Javan Short-tailed Gymnures are insectivores, with a diet consisting primarily of insects, earthworms, larvae, and other invertebrates. They may also consume small vertebrates, fungi, and decaying plant matter. They forage by sniffing through the leaf litter, often flipping it over with their snouts in search of hidden prey. This generalist approach to feeding helps them adapt to a variety of forest conditions.

Reproduction & life cycle

While data on this species is limited, it is believed to reproduce throughout the year in suitable environments. Females likely give birth to two to four young in a nest hidden under vegetation or within burrows. The newborns are altricial, meaning they are born blind and helpless. They grow quickly and remain in the nest for several weeks before becoming independent. Parental care is provided solely by the mother.

Threats & conservation status

The Javan Short-tailed Gymnure is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, largely due to its wide distribution and apparent adaptability. However, deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and conversion of land for agriculture are ongoing threats in many parts of its range. Populations in heavily disturbed or isolated areas may be more vulnerable than currently documented.

This species in captivity

Javan Short-tailed Gymnures are rarely kept in captivity, although there are occasional reports from research facilities. They are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, and their specific dietary needs and secretive nature make them difficult to maintain outside of their natural habitat. They are not suitable as pets and are primarily of interest in ecological and evolutionary research.