Four-toed Elephant Shrew

About the Four-toed Elephant Shrew

The four-toed sengi or four-toed elephant shrew (Petrodromus tetradactylus) is the only living species in the genus Petrodromus, which together with five other extant genera Rhynchocyon, Macroscelides, Petrosaltator, Galegeeska and Elephantulus constitutes the order Macroscelidea. This species of sengi is only found in particular regions in Africa and is smaller than its relatives. A comprehensive record of this species is lacking.

As its name suggests, the species has four toes on its hind feet, and like other sengis, it has been named for its elephant-like, mobile proboscis. The four-toed sengi is found in Central and Southern East Africa, notably in Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and possibly Namibia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, montane forests, and moist savannas. Throughout these countries, they are the second most widespread species, following the short-snouted sengi.

Specifically, they thrive in dense forests (notably in dense evergreen growths), woodlands and thickets, with suitable cover and protection, as well as invertebrates... Wikipedia →