The North African elephant shrew
Elephantulus rozeti
The sengis, also known as elephant-shrews, are a group of small mammals native to Africa. They belong to the order Macroscelidea and the family Macroscelididae, consisting of 19 recognized species divided into two subfamilies: Rhynchocyoninae (giant sengis) and Macroscelidinae (soft-furred sengis). The taxonomy of these mammals has been historically complex due to their specialized morphology and life history, which have made it difficult for morphological taxonomists to resolve phylogenetic relationships consistently. Despite this, the diversity within the Macroscelididae family is considered low, especially given that afrotherians have been isolated in Africa for about 130 million years. Fossil records indicate the existence of additional extinct sengi species, further complicating their classification.
Recent molecular genetics research has revealed new insights into the taxonomy of sengis, including the discovery of new species and the reassessment of existing ones. For example, molecular studies have shown that Elephantulus rozeti, a sengi species from North Africa, is more closely related to the genus Petrodromus, which is found south of the Sahara, than to other Elephantulus species. This finding suggests that Elephantulus is polyphyletic, leading to proposals for taxonomic revisions, including possibly creating a new genus for Elephantulus rozeti.
Elephantulus rozeti was first identified in 1832 by Claude Antoine Rozet (1798-1858) during his exploration, which he chronicled in "Voyage dans la régence d'Alger." In this account, Rozet devoted a chapter to the mammals he observed, including this particular species. Later, Moritz Wagner (1813-1887), a naturalist, encountered Elephantulus rozeti in Oran, Arzew and Tlemcen, where he published additional insights. Wagner's research provided detailed descriptions of both the anatomical and external features of the species, accompanied by accurate illustrations. Wagner noted the presence of a glandular area on the tail, which was prominently depicted in their illustrations. Despite this, the significance of this anatomical feature was not widely recognized until later.
In his 1932 book of mammals, Cabrera identified 4 species of the Elephantulus genus in Morocco:
Elephantulus rozeti rozeti (Elephantulus rozeti)
Elephantulus rozeti moratus
Elephantulus rozeti atlantis
Elephantulus rozeti deserti
Cabrera suggests that it is logical to consider only one species of Elephantulus in North Africa, with several subspecies adapted to the various physical conditions of the regions within its distribution area.
This illustration features two drawings of Elephantulus rozeti subspecies:
(A) Elephantulus rozeti rozeti from Kebdana (Nador region). This specimen is depicted in a natural, lifelike pose.
(B) Elephantulus rozeti moratus from Essaouira. This illustration is based on a specimen from the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales.
The coloration differences between the two subspecies can be observed in the illustrations, with slight variations in the coat's shading and hue. The species is typically found in rugged and rocky terrains. It usually hides in shallow burrows at the base of large rocks or under bushes. In winter, it is often seen sunbathing during the warmest part of the day. The species' behavior and habitat preferences are highlighted as being well adapted to its environment.
According to Cabrera, this mammal's diet consists solely of small insects, with a strong preference for ants. In two specimens collected from Ras Kebdana, their stomach contents were found to be almost entirely composed of ant parts, although the remains were difficult to identify. The author noted that live specimens showed no interest in other types of insects, worms, or minced meat, which are commonly accepted by other insectivores. However, the animals readily consumed milk, drinking it by extending their snout over the liquid and lapping it up with rapid tongue movements. Their tongue is characterized as being long and narrow. They drank water in a similar manner, cleaning the lower part of their snout with their tongue afterward. Upon dissection, the intestines of all specimens contained thin, reddish-brown worms approximately 20 millimeters in length. So, they are essentially insectivore because its primary diet consists of insects and other small invertebrates. They may occasionally consume plant material when insect prey is scarce.
Watch me dance to the morning beats: Elephant Shrews dancing in the morning sun
The female gives birth to two offspring. At birth, the young have relatively short ears and tails and their snouts are not yet fully developed. Moreover, Like other members of the Elephantulus genus, females have small litter sizes, with two being the maximum. The young are well-developed at birth and are capable of moving around shortly after.
Elephantulus rozeti moratus is found in western Morocco, ranging southward from the Oum Er-Rbia River, mainly in semi-steppe regions. The typical locality for this subspecies is Jebel Idar, about 80 kilometers southeast of El Jadida. Moreover, a specimen from the sub-desertic region of Sraghna, east of Marrakesh. Specimens housed in the Madrid Museum originate from areas near Essaouira and in the province of Chtouka Aït Baha. The habitat and ecological conditions for Elephantulus rozeti moratus are similar to those of Elephantulus rozeti rozeti, with the region's environment resembling that of the Mauritanian-Steppe domain.
The Elephantulus rozeti atlantis subspecies resembles Elephantulus rozeti rozeti but differs by lacking the distinct ochre patches behind its ears. Its upper parts are described as pale brown, with the flanks being lighter than the back, although not as prominently marked as in other subspecies. A narrow, almost pinkish line separates the white underside of the belly. Measurements did not show any significant difference. Geographically, this subspecies is located in the High Atlas Mountains, particularly around Chtouka Aït Baha.
A distinct form of Elephantulus rozeti deserti found in the Sahara was initially classified as a separate species, though this distinction is based primarily on pelage color, which reflects the differing environmental conditions, as there are no notable differences in size, appearance or cranial features.
Mammifères sauvages du Maroc: Peuplement, répartition, écologie (2017)
Guide DELACHAUX - Mammifères d'Europe, d'Afrique du Nord et du Moyen-Orient (2020)
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