Macroscelidean

Macroscelidean is the infraorder of mammals that comprises the elephant shrews or sengis. These small, long-snouted mammals are native to Africa. Despite their common name, they are not true shrews, which are found in the order Eulipotyphla. Elephant shrews are distinguished by their elongated, flexible noses, which they use to probe for insects and other small invertebrates in leaf litter. They also possess large eyes and ears, and a long, slender tail.

There are currently five living genera of elephant shrew, with a total of nineteen recognized species. These include species such as the Giant Sengi and the Short-snouted Elephant Shrew. They are primarily terrestrial, often found in arid or semi-arid environments, including savannas, shrublands, and woodlands. Elephant shrews are diurnal and exhibit a fascinating social structure, with many species living in monogamous pairs that defend a territory.

Their diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and other arthropods, supplemented by seeds and some plant matter. They are agile runners, capable of reaching high speeds to escape predators. The evolutionary history of elephant shrews has been a subject of much scientific interest, with genetic studies revealing them to be more closely related to elephants, hyraxes, and manatees than to other small mammals traditionally grouped with them. This surprising placement highlights the dynamic nature of mammalian classification and evolutionary relationships.