The Elephant Shrew: Spare Parts Assembled to Create a New Creature?

They have a particularly striking proboscis (“nose”) that superficially resembles that of the anteater, tapir or an elephant but they are not related to these mammals nor are they related to the shrew family. It has been suggested that these should be re-classified as a specie to themselves.

Elephant or Jumping Shrew

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Some 19 different species of Elephant Shrew are known. These small mammalian insect-eaters that are native to southern Africa, widespread but not common to any particular region. These interesting creatures live in many varied habitats. Some species are about 5-inches long not including the tail, while the largest specie is closer to 9-12 inches long. They lives under leaf-litter and some even dig burrows, they look like a tiny pig with a long mouse-like tail and kangaroo hind legs. Found in habitats as varied as thick forests, boulder-strewn deserts and mountainous regions, these places are host to several different varieties of these unique creatures.

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The elephant shrews have had a difficult time being classified; having first been associated with the shrews and hedgehogs, then grouped with tree shrews and hares and rabbits. They are rodent-like, and recent DNA studies seem to suggest a relation to a superorder which includes such members as the hyrax, manatees, aardvark and the elephant. They are definitely not related to the shrew, so it has suggested that they be given the name from the native Bantu language, “sengis.” They only received the name ‘elephant shrew’ because when first seen by biologists, their fast jumping movements reminded them of how true shrews moved about, and the elephant proboscis of course, reminded them of elephants.

Very Cute: The Elephant Shrew

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With mouse-like tails and a almost red squirrel-like face, the elephant shrews have long legs for their size, enabling them to run fast and jump high. Day-dwellers, they maintain trails and frequent them in search of insects that happen to trespass onto them. They are mainly insectivores, feeding mostly upon spiders, worms, ants and termites. They also eat some seeds and green plant tips. They use their regular trail for speedy escapes if disturbed, making finding or even seeing them difficult. Elephant shrews has a defense mechanism of a strong scent, which not only acts as a deterrent to many predators, they use their scent glands to mark their territory, which they actively defend.

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Their numbers are uncertain for they are so good at hiding and escaping along their well-maintained paths, they are difficult to capture. Living as a monogamous pair, the female will give birth to litters of from one to three young, three or four times each year. They are born more well-formed and ready for life than most mammals of this size. The babies remain in the nest for two or three weeks before venturing out with the mother with whom they will stay with for perhaps another week before setting out to find their own territory. This helps them survive, as a longer nurturing period would likely put them as risk of predators finding the nest. One of their greatest threats is habit isolation, as they live in isolated pockets and newly weaned offspring have difficulty find suitable mates.

Another Type of Elephant Shrew

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Macroscelides proboscideus, looks more like a mouse or gerbil, with the elongated proboscis typical of the species.

Their territory can consist of several acres these mated pairs, but they are seldom found together. They maintain each other’s whereabouts through their scent markings. They defend their territory vehemently against other intruders of their own kind. Very animated, aggressive battles have been observed that look like sparring, tumbling and chasing around on the forest floor include screaming, biting and nipping by the warring parties. Male defenders chase away the male intruder, and the female defender chases away any trespassing females. The elephant shrew can weigh over one pound, is a fast runner and can make jumps as high as three feet. Apart from native mankind which sometimes uses the elephant shrew for food, they are preyed upon by some snakes and birds of prey.

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Look at that wonderful coloration and how shiny the fur is!

The Elephant Shrew

This is so cute! Gosh, I wish they could be had as domestic pets.