Petrodromus – Four-toed elephant shrew

A small, lively mammal found across parts of eastern and southern Africa, and despite its name, it isn’t actually a shrew or related to elephants! Instead, it belongs to its own unique family, the sengis, which are closer relatives of elephants, manatees, and aardvarks than to rodents. These little creatures are instantly recognizable by their long, flexible noses that twitch constantly as they sniff for food, giving them their “elephant” nickname. The “four-toed” part of their name comes from the fact that their hind feet usually have four functional toes, setting them apart from other elephant shrew species.

What makes the Four-toed elephant shrew particularly special is its incredible speed and agility. Though they’re only about the size of a mouse, they can sprint through undergrowth and along well-worn forest trails at speeds of up to 25 km/h (16 mph). Their strong back legs make them excellent runners and jumpers, which helps them escape predators like snakes, birds of prey, and small carnivores. They are also meticulous engineers: these shrews maintain a network of little pathways, or “runways,” through grass and leaf litter, which they use to dart quickly to safety if threatened.

When it comes to diet, the Four-toed elephant shrew is a dedicated insect hunter. Using its long snout, it probes soil, leaf litter, and crevices in search of ants, termites, spiders, beetles, and other small invertebrates. Occasionally, it will also nibble on seeds or fruits, but its main role in the ecosystem is as a fast and efficient bug-catcher. Its big eyes and ears also help it stay alert to any signs of danger, giving it both excellent vision and sharp hearing for spotting predators or prey.