Smiths rock elephant shrew

Introduction: Smith's rock elephant shrew (Elephantulus rupestris) is so named as it frequents koppies and rocky habitats, ideal for seeking refuge in semi-desert regions. They propel themselves by bouncing off the ground using their larger hind legs, a feature used to travel distances quite quickly to escape predators. A territorial creature, individuals of the same sex can show aggressive behaviour towards each other, a trait that is common between males and females. Foot-drumming and scent marking are common communicative characteristics of Smith's rock elephant shrew.

Distribution: Central highlands of Namibia and Kaokoland.

Diet: Ants and termites, but may eat certain vegetative matter.

Colouring: Light brown fur. Narrow white eye rings, with a distinctive broad patch of rufous/yellow hair at the base of the ears. The proboscis is grey-brown with a narrow, dark line at the top.

Breeding: Females can produce several litters a year of 1 or 2 young.

Size: Total body length of 270mm with a longer tail

Weight: 65g