PromotedSpecies introCountry intro
Elephant shrew on top of the world
This cute elephant shrew actually has a fascinating behaviour. It is one of the few diurnal mice which has a "home" and clearly trampled on mini paths from and to it which it basically never leaves and uses as hunting routes for insect. Read up on them - they are rather interesting little fellows.
The Short-eared Elephant Shrew, or Round-eared Sengi or Round-eared Elephant Shrew, is a species of elephant shrew in the Macroscelididae family. It is found in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
Similar species: Elephant Shrews
By Mark Vincent Müller
All rights reserved
Uploaded Jun 20, 2011. Captured Jun 20, 2011 22:05.
comments (3)
The elephant shrew (Macroscelides proboscideus) is so cute that it looks like it could be a Disney character. These unique animals have a flexible, highly sensitive snout that resembles an elephant’s trunk. They are found in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa, where they inhabit desert and shrubland. The elephant shrew is one of only a handful of monogamous mammals, and they exhibit mate guarding behavior. The males aggressively defend their female mates. Yet, the pairs do not form strong bonds, nor do they participate in mating rituals. They even sleep alone in their shelter. And, the males have no role in raising the young. So, why are males so vigorous in defending a mate that they don’t have much of a connection with? Is it a case of male jealousy? Nope. In fact, it seems that elephant shrews are only monogamous because it is easy and convenient. There are many benefits to monogamy and mate guarding, such as protection from predators, reduced infanticide, less competition, reproductive success, and reduced energy output. {Spotted in Namibia by JungleDragon user, Mark Vincent Müller} #JungleDragon Posted 6 years ago