Main Characteristics

Black & Rufous Elephant Shrews are between 23 and 30 cms (9 - 12 inches) in length, they have a tail length of approximately 25 cms (10 inches) and they weigh between 482 and 595 g (17 - 21 oz).

They are reddish/brown and black in colour and they have small, rounded ears. They have a long, pointed snout which is flexible and very sensitive, thus giving them their name.

Habitat

Black & Rufous Elephant Shrews are found in the forests and dense woodlands of eastern Kenya and Tanzania. They are active during the day and they rest at night in a nest constructed of leaves and other vegetation.

Diet

Black & Rufous Elephant Shrews feed upon small invertebrates, fruit, seeds and buds.

Breeding

Black & Rufous Elephants Shrews give birth to 1 - 2 young. After approximately 1 month the young will leave the nest to explore.

Predators

Predators of Black & Rufous Elephant Shrews include humans, birds of prey and snakes.

Subspecies

Subspecies of the Black & Rufous Elephant Shrew are:

Rhynchocyon petersi adersi
Rhynchocyon petersi petersi

Interesting Facts

Elephant Shrews are only found in Africa.

Black & Rufous Elephant Shrews are also known as:
Black & Rufous Sengi
Black & Rufous Giant Elephant Shrew

Similar Animals

Rufous Elephant Shrew
Golden-Rumped Elephant Shrew
Four-Toed Elephant Shrew
Short-Eared Elephant Shrew