Black-and-Rufous Elephant Shrew - Rhynchocyon petersi
Habitat:
Are found in the forests and dense woodlands.
Range:
Kenya and Tanzania
Activity Cycle:
They are active during the day and they rest at night in a nest constructed of leaves and other vegetation.
Features:
They are reddish/brown and black in color and they have small, rounded ears. They have a long, pointed snout which is flexible and very sensitive, thus giving them their name.
Size:
They are around 9-12 inches from head to end of body and have approximately a 10 inch long tail.
Social Structure:
One of only approximately 3% of mammals that are monogamous, they live in exclusive breeding pairs. They live in the same territory but spend very little time together. They are territorial, with males chasing any other males out of the territory an females chasing other females.
Life Expectancy:
4-5 years
Diet:
Feed upon small invertebrates, fruit, seeds and buds.
Reproduction:
Give birth to 1 - 2 young. After approximately 1 month the young will leave the nest to explore.
Status:
Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It is also in the Red Studbook with AZA.
Interesting Facts:
Have a super long nose like an anteater
Socialize
