Friday, May 9, 2014

Creature Feature #202: Elephant Shrew

Neither an elephant, nor a shrew, the Elephant Shrew is now more appropriately known as a Sengi. She is a diminutive insectivorous mammal widespread, but nowhere common, across Africa. There are 17 species of Elephant Shrew, with most being tiny and others - like this black and rufous "giant" elephant shrew - measuring up to 25 cm long. The smaller species maintain their territory with a series of runs, which they can navigate with remarkable speed and skill, and which are essential to their survival. Often a male and female will share territory and Elephant Shrew are noted for being monogamous, however outside of mating she seems to prefer her own company. 

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