Elephant shrew
The elephant shrew, also known as a sengi, is a small, mammalian species endemic to Africa, characterized by its distinctive elephant-like snout. Belonging to the family Macroscelididae, this group comprises four genera and 19 species, varying in size and appearance. Elephant shrews inhabit diverse environments, ranging from lowland forests to deserts, and their unique adaptations allow for different locomotion methods, with some species running quickly and others hopping. These creatures typically have whiskers that assist with navigation and primarily feed on insects, snails, and occasionally fruits and seeds.
Elephant shrews exhibit monogamous breeding habits, with gestation periods that differ depending on the species, resulting in precocial young that become independent shortly after birth. While certain species face threats from habitat loss, leading to varying conservation statuses, others are more stable. In some cultures, such as in Kenya, larger elephant shrews are even consumed as food. Their lifespan can vary dramatically between the wild and captivity, highlighting their adaptability and diverse ecological roles. Overall, the elephant shrew represents a fascinating example of African biodiversity.
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Elephant shrew
The elephant shrew gets its name from its elephant-like snout. They are also known as sengis. Elephant shrews are small, rodent-like mammals that are endemic to Africa. The golden-rumped elephant shrew can run as fast as a human beings, even though it is only a foot long. Other elephant shrews don't run at all, but hop instead.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Macroscelidae
Family: Macroscelididae
Genus: Various (see below)
Species: Various (see below)
The family Macroscelididae, commonly known as elephant shrews, is made up of four genera and 19 extant, or living, species. Elephant shrews live in many different habitats, depending on their species. They are found in the lowland forests, plains, deserts, grasslands, and tropical forests of northern and southeastern Africa.
Elephant shrews are small, mouse-like animals. Their tails are similar to rats' tails, and their hind legs are designed for hopping. The two subfamilies, soft-furred elephant shrews of the subfamily Macroscelidinae and giant elephant shrews of the subfamily Rhynchocyoninae, differ in appearance and size. The soft-furred elephant shrews are smaller than the giant elephant shrews, and they tend to have tan or brown fur. The giant elephant shrews, however, tend to have red, yellow, and black coloration. Elephant shrew species range in size from the small short-eared elephant shrew to the large golden-rumped shrew. The short-eared elephant shrew has a head and body length of about 4 1/4 inches (11 centimeters) with a 4 1/2 to 5 inch (11 to 13 centimeter) tail. Each weighs about 1 1/2 ounces (42 grams). The golden-rumped shrew has a head and body length of about 11 1/2 inches (29 centimeters) with about a 10 inch (25 centimeter) tail. They are much larger than the short-eared shrew, weighing a little over a pound (1/2 a kilogram). All elephant shrews have whiskers that help them find their way around.
Elephant shrews usually eat insects and snails. Some species also eat roots, fruits, and seeds.
Most elephant shrews breed year-round. They are monogamous mammals. Larger species are pregnant for about two months, while smaller species are only pregnant for 1 1/2 months. The females then give birth to one to three young, depending on the species. All offspring are precocial, meaning they demonstrate quick independence and are able to care for themselves at about 25 days after birth.
In Kenya, some people cook and eat large elephant shrews. Some other predators are birds of prey, lizards, snakes, and larger mammals. To hide from predators, the shrews use their camouflage coat colorings.
As of 2015, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species listed the golden-rumped elephant shrew as Endangered (EN) due to habitat loss. The grey-faced elephant shrew is listed as Vulnerable (VU) for the same reason. The remaining species are of Least Concern (LC) or are lacking in population information.
The lifespan of the elephant shrew is one to three years in the wild, but 7 to 11 years in captivity.
The four genera that make up the family Macroscelididae are:
Elephant-shrews Elephantulus
Short-eared elephant-shrew Macroscelides
Four-toed elephant-shrew Petrodromus
Elephant-shrews Rhynchocyon
Bibliography
“Elephant Shrew.” African Wildlife Foundation, www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/elephant-shrew. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
Polich, Alexandria. “Macroscelididae (Elephant-Shrews).” Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Macroscelididae/. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
Rathbun, Galen Boscastle, and Clare FitzGibbon. “Golden-Rumped Sengi.” IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 25 Nov. 2013, www.iucnredlist.org/species/19705/21287265. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.