Elephant shrews, also known as sengis, are small mammals characterized by their long, flexible snouts, which resemble an elephant’s trunk. Despite their name, these creatures are not true shrews; genetic evidence indicates they are more closely related to a group of African mammals that includes elephants and aardvarks. They are native to Africa and can be found across various habitats, from dense forests to arid plains. These agile animals are generally small, with some species weighing as little as 42 grams, while larger ones can reach up to 700 grams.
Their Primary Sustenance
Elephant shrews are primarily insectivores, meaning their diet largely consists of insects. They spend a significant portion of their active hours, sometimes as much as 80% of their waking time, foraging for food. Their diet includes a variety of insects such as ants, termites, beetles, and crickets, which they locate using their sensitive snouts. Spiders are also a common part of their diet. The high protein and energy content of these invertebrates provides the necessary sustenance for their active lifestyles.
They utilize their long, mobile snouts to probe into leaf litter and soil, uncovering hidden prey. Once an insect is found, a rapid flick of their tongue helps them capture smaller food items. For larger prey, such as an earthworm, an elephant shrew might pin it down with a forefoot before chewing off pieces.
Occasional Dietary Additions
While insects form the bulk of their diet, elephant shrews also supplement their meals with other small invertebrates. This can include items like centipedes and earthworms, which they encounter during their foraging activities. These additional protein sources contribute to a more varied nutritional intake.
Elephant shrews may also consume plant matter opportunistically. This includes small quantities of seeds, fruits, and leaves. Such plant-based foods are not a regular staple but are eaten when available, providing supplementary nutrients or moisture. This adaptability in their diet allows them to utilize different food sources depending on their immediate environment and seasonal changes.
Hunting and Foraging Behavior
Elephant shrews are active during the day, constantly searching for food. They often create and maintain a series of cleared pathways through undergrowth within their home ranges. These pathways allow for swift movement and serve as escape routes if they are disturbed. They patrol these routes, using their keen senses to detect prey.
Their long, flexible snouts are instrumental in their foraging strategy, constantly moving as they probe the ground, leaf litter, and crevices. Paired with acute senses of smell and hearing, this allows them to pinpoint the location of insects and other small prey. When a target is identified, their quick, darting movements enable them to swiftly pounce and capture their meal.