Elephant Shrew

Family - Macroscelididae

Order - Macroscelidea

Length - 2 to 7 inches

Recognition - Brown body with lighter underside. Elongated snout with whiskers, markings on the head, and erect ears. Elephant shrews also have fairly long tails, similar to those of rats and mice.

Habitat - Fields and forests

Behavior - Insectivore

Residency - Africa

Life Span - 1 to 2 years

Of Special Note - The elephant shrew is a very fast animal and has to be in order to survive. As a small mammal, it has many predators, which include hawks, large cats, and dogs. Its elongated snout is very sensitive and helps the shrew find insects and detect predators.

Many species of elephant shrews pave trails through long brush. These trails are kept meticulously clear of obstructions and marked with the shrew's scent. During the day and evening, these shrews run along this path repeatedly to find food. When predators are detected, the shrew is at an advantage, since it knows its trail and can usually escape.

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This article was written by Jonathan Dunder

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