Macroscelididae

Macroscelididae is a family of small mammals commonly known as elephant shrews or sengis. These terrestrial insectivores are native to Africa and are characterized by their long, flexible, elephant-like snouts, from which they derive their common name. Despite their appearance, they are not closely related to true shrews. Sengis are agile and fast runners, possessing long hind legs adapted for leaping and quick escapes from predators. They typically inhabit a variety of environments, including savannas, deserts, and forests, depending on the species. Their diet primarily consists of insects, but they may also consume spiders, worms, and small vertebrates. Sengis are diurnal and are known for their monogamous mating systems, with pairs often defending a territory together. There are currently five genera within the family Macroscelididae: Elephantulus, Macroscelides, Petrodromus, and Rhynchocyon. These genera encompass a total of 20 recognized species. Recent genetic studies have placed Macroscelididae within the superorder Afrotheria, a group of mammals with a common African origin, alongside animals like elephants, manatees, and aardvarks. Their distinctive morphology and evolutionary history make them a subject of ongoing scientific interest.