[1] Erinaceidae is a family of small mammals that include the gymnures, also known as the silky furred moonrats, and the hedgehogs.

[4] All share a close resemblance to the moonrat Echinosorex gymnura, which is commonly found on the Borneo, Sumatra, and the Malay Peninsulas.

[5] Podogymnura truei, which are endothermic species, are medium-sized ground dwellers that typically range from 130 to 150 mm in body length.

These mammals also have long soft fur that is typically gray mixed with coarser reddish brown hairs on the dorsal side.

Podogymnura are closely related to Echinosorex in that they share similar dental and cranial characteristics, well-developed canine teeth, and a long rostrum.

However, unlike Echinosorex, Podogymnura has less prominent sagittal, temporal, and nuchal crests, and is smaller with a shorter tail.

[8] Since Podogymnura truei are ground dwellers, their typical diet includes earthworms, insects, and arthropods.

P. truei are nocturnal or crepuscular, which means that they remain in their burrows during the day, but come out to forage by searching the forest floor at twilight or night.

In order to mark their territory or to deter predators, they will release a strong odor, typically described as a rancid onion or garlic smell.

Podogymnura truei prefer areas that are damp and are frequently found near standing bodies of water.

The Mindanao island is currently affected by slash and burn agriculture, forest degradation, and logging.

However, since they primarily reside in high elevation forests, current populations are estimated to be stable.

[11] Unfortunately, the forest has already been reduced by 29 percent due to the effects of slash and burn agriculture and logging.