Sengis

Sengis, also known as the elephant shrews or jumping shrews, are small mammals belonging to the order Macroscelidea. They are native to Africa and are characterized by their long, flexible snouts, which they use to find insects and other small invertebrates in the leaf litter. Despite their common names, sengis are not closely related to true shrews, which belong to the order Eulipotyphla. Instead, molecular data places them closer to elephants, aardvarks, and manatees, forming a superorder called Afrotheria.

There are currently twenty species of sengis, divided into two families: Macroscelididae and Rhynchocyonidae. These animals are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and are known for their speed and agility. They have large eyes and ears, which help them detect predators. Sengis typically live in monogamous pairs and maintain a territory, which they mark with scent glands. Their diet consists primarily of insects, but they may also eat spiders, scorpions, and some plant matter.

Sengis inhabit a variety of environments across Africa, from deserts and savannas to forests and woodlands. Their conservation status varies by species, with some being common and others facing threats due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Their unique evolutionary history and distinctive physical features make them a subject of ongoing scientific interest.