Pholidae

Pholidae is a family of small, nocturnal, burrowing mammals native to Africa. They are known for their distinctive physical characteristics, including a long, slender body, short legs, and a long, pointed snout. Pholids are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and other small invertebrates that they encounter in their burrows.

The family Pholidae consists of two genera and four species. The two genera are Pholis and Scutisorex. The genus Pholis includes two species, Pholis nasica and Pholis larvata, while the genus Scutisorex includes two species, Scutisorex somalicus and Scutisorex thomasi. Pholis nasica is the most widely distributed species, found in a variety of habitats across sub-Saharan Africa, while the other species have more restricted ranges.

Pholids are solitary animals, with each individual maintaining its own territory. They are known for their aggressive behavior, particularly towards conspecifics. Pholids are also known for their ability to produce a strong, unpleasant odor when threatened, which is thought to deter predators.

Pholids play an important role in their ecosystems by controlling insect populations. Their burrowing activities also help to aerate the soil, improving its fertility. However, they are also known to cause damage to crops, particularly in areas where they are abundant.

Pholids are listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as their populations are stable and they are widely distributed. However, they are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as by the use of pesticides, which can reduce their prey availability. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting their habitats and reducing pesticide use.