Rock Elephant-Shrew - Elephantulus myuris:The Rock Elephant-Shrew is one of several species of elephant shrew, all of which are confined to Africa: this particular species is found in rocky habitat. Elephant-shrew derive their name from their elongated, trunk-like snout. When this rodent vocalises, it curls its snout over the top of its muzzle, opens its mouth wide and with the head held high it emits a series of high-pitched squeaks. The sensitive nostrils are at the end of the snout. The senses of smell, hearing and sight are all acute. Their diet consists of small insects, particularly ants and termites. The rock elephant-shrew darts like a flash of lightening to pounce on its chosen victim, and if the insect is a large one then the shrew carries it back to the shade to enjoy an unhurried meal. They are mostly active by day, particularly at dawn. Elephant-shrew normally travel on all fours but at speed they leap on their hindlegs. Shelter is a hole or crevice in a rock: a rocky overhang hides the shelter from the attentions of the smaller birds of prey which are among the elephant-shrew's enemies. The animal is well camouflaged and may be mistaken for a stone: its sole giveaway is a twitching of the snout and ears. The lifespan of the elephant-shrew is only about 13 months, although some may reach the age of 19 months. During her short life-time a female elephant-shrew will have up to three litters, each consisting of either one or two young. SIZE: Length (including tail) 26 cm, mass 60 g. COLOUR: Buff grey, the flanks a paler grey and the underparts are white. The eyes are ringed with white. The ears are brown, fringed with white. MOST LIKE: The other four species of the genus Elephantulus which are found in South Africa; all of them are difficult to tell apart. HABITAT: Rocky hillsides and koppies, where crevices exist for shelter; also on flat ground, but in the immediate vicinity of rocky outcrops. South Africa - Eco Travel Guides - Wildlife Guides: Travel Guides: -:- Activities & Interests -:- Regions & Areas -:- Routes -:- Maps -:- Wildlife: -:- Vertebrates: -:- Amphibians -:- Birds -:- Fish -:- Mammals -:- Reptiles -:- |