Checkered Sengi

About the Checkered Sengi

The chequered sengi or checkered sengi (Rhynchocyon cirnei), also known as the chequered elephant shrew or checkered elephant shrew, is a species of small mammal belonging to the sengi family (Macroscelididae). Six subspecies of the chequered sengi were recognized in the third edition of Mammal Species of the World, published 2005:

The subspecies R. c. stuhlmanni may represent a separate species. Chequered sengis will grow to be around 25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 in) long, excluding their tail, making them one of the longest sengis. Their average tail length is slightly over 25 centimeters, which is slightly shorter than their body length. They commonly weigh around half a kilogram (1.1 pounds), but will sometimes grow to be about 0.7 kg (1.5 lb). Their coat is usually a light to medium brown, but it can range from beige to dark brown. Their back contains alternating chestnut and lighter colors, creating a chequered pattern. Chequered sengis also contain stripes on the sides of their body, which have a darker color than most of their body.

It is found in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and... Wikipedia →