Macroscelides micus

Macroscelides micus

Etendeka round-eared sengi, Etendeka round-eared elephant shrew

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Macroscelides micus

Macroscelides micus (common name Etendeka round-eared sengi or Etendeka round-eared elephant shrew) is a species of elephant shrew in the family Macroscelididae. It is only found in gravel plains in the Etendeka formation of north-west Namibia. Measuring about 7.3 inches (19 cm) long and weighing less than an ounce (28 grams), the species is the smallest in the elephant shrew family.

Appearance

Macroscelides micus is the smallest known elephant shrew. Its body shape resembles that of a long-nosed mouse. However, as a member of the superorder Afrotheria, it is actually more closely related to elephants and manatees than mice. It has pink skin and red fur which helps it camouflage itself against the volcanic rocks of its environment. It weighs less than one ounce (28 grams) and is 7.3 inches (19 cm) long, including the tail, when fully grown. M. micus has long, thin legs relative to its body.

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M. micus does not burrow, instead sleeping in bushes. It uses its long nose to hunt for ground insects. Some elephant shrew species are known to be monogamous and mate for life. It is unknown if this is the case for M. micus. The young of M. micus, which are often born as twins, are capable of running from birth.

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Distribution

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Macroscelides micus habitat map
Macroscelides micus habitat map
Macroscelides micus
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Mating Habits

References

1. Macroscelides micus Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macroscelides_micus
2. Macroscelides micus on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/45434566/45436004

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