Scientific Name
Elephantulus rupestris
Common Names
Classification
Close Relatives
The Western Rock Elephant Shrew (also known as the Western Rock Sengi or Smith’s Rock Elephant Shrew) weigh approximately 50 grams.
It is endemic to South Africa, and also listed as a vulnerable species. Little is known about this particular species of Shrew.
The name came about by a resemblance of their long prehensile noses to the trunk of an elephant.
This species is not in fact a shrew, which is why they are also known as the Western Rock Sengi. The term sengi is from the Bantu language of Africa.
Shrews in general vary in size between 10 to 30 cms. They feed on insects but are also known to feed on seeds and shoots.
These creatures stay well hidden, and it is very rare to see a Western Rock Elephant Shrew.