macroscelidids

Macroscelidids, commonly known as elephant shrews or sengis, are a family of small mammals native to Africa. They are characterized by their long, flexible, elephant-like noses, which they use to sniff out insects and other small invertebrates in the leaf litter. Their large eyes and ears also help them detect predators.

Elephant shrews are agile and fast runners, often reaching speeds of up to 25 kilometers per hour. They have long, slender legs and a long tail that aids in balance. Despite their name, they are not closely related to shrews. Instead, they belong to the order Macroscelidea, which is part of the superorder Afrotheria, a group of mammals that also includes elephants, manatees, and aardvarks.

There are currently 19 recognized species of elephant shrew, divided into four genera: Macroscelides, Petrodromus, Elephantulus, and Rhynchocyon. They inhabit a variety of environments, from deserts and savannas to forests. Most elephant shrews are diurnal or crepuscular, meaning they are active during the day or at dawn and dusk. They typically live in monogamous pairs and defend a territory. Their diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, but they may also eat seeds, fruits, and small vertebrates.