Elephant shrew
This elephant shrew is a small, mouse-like insect eater with a long tail, long hind limbs a sharply pointed snout, and large ears.
The dense fur is light brown on back and white beneath.
Not including the tail, the elephant shrew grows to about 3.5" to 5" and weighs between 1 and 2 oz.
About fifteen species of elephant shrews are found throughout Africa in various habitats.
The animals are considered a separate order by many authorities, because it is such a distinctive group.
Although the elephant shrews resemble the mouse kangaroos with their long hind legs, they actually walk on all four, and hop only when running.
This North African species lives in isolation on open arid country.
It seeks shelter by burrowing underground, or hiding under rocks.
It is active during the day, but spends the hot midday hours in its burrow.
It is primarily eats insects for its food.
The reproductive habits of this species are unknown, but the closely related East African elephant shrew bears one or two young per litter after a gestation of fifty days.
After only one month the baby shrews are weaned, and they are completely on their own by two months.
The dense fur is light brown on back and white beneath.
Not including the tail, the elephant shrew grows to about 3.5" to 5" and weighs between 1 and 2 oz.
About fifteen species of elephant shrews are found throughout Africa in various habitats.
The animals are considered a separate order by many authorities, because it is such a distinctive group.
Although the elephant shrews resemble the mouse kangaroos with their long hind legs, they actually walk on all four, and hop only when running.
This North African species lives in isolation on open arid country.
It seeks shelter by burrowing underground, or hiding under rocks.
It is active during the day, but spends the hot midday hours in its burrow.
It is primarily eats insects for its food.
The reproductive habits of this species are unknown, but the closely related East African elephant shrew bears one or two young per litter after a gestation of fifty days.
After only one month the baby shrews are weaned, and they are completely on their own by two months.
