Cape elephant shrew (also known as the Cape rock elephant shrew) is a small insectivorous mammal belonging to the order Macroscelidea. It is endemic to the southern regions of South Africa.
Taxonomy
| Rank | Scientific name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Macroscelidea |
| Family | Macroscelididae |
| Genus | Elephantulus |
| Species | Elephantulus edwardii |
Authority: (Sundevall, 1847)
Physical description
- Size: Head‑body length 8–10 cm; tail length 6–7 cm.
- Weight: Approximately 15–20 g.
- Fur: Reddish‑brown dorsal coloration with a paler ventral side; fine, soft pelage.
- Snout: Elongated, tapered rostrum typical of elephant shrews, housing a long, highly mobile tongue.
- Ears: Proportionally large and mobile, aiding in predator detection.
- Tail: Semi‑prehensile, used for balance when navigating rocky terrains.
Distribution and habitat
- Geographic range: Confined to the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa; occasional records from neighboring coastal regions.
- Habitat: Prefers rocky outcrops, fynbush, and semi‑arid scrubland; often found in areas with abundant leaf litter and loose soil that facilitate foraging.
Ecology and behavior
- Activity pattern: Primarily diurnal, with peaks of activity in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Diet: Insectivorous; consumes beetles, termites, ants, spiders, and other small arthropods.
- Foraging: Uses a rapid, zig‑zag locomotion to flush prey from leaf litter and rocks.
- Territoriality: Individuals maintain and scent‑mark small home ranges using dorsal glands.
- Reproduction: Breeding can occur year‑round in favorable conditions. Gestation lasts roughly 45 days, yielding litters of 1–2 altricial young. Off‑spring are weaned after about 30 days.
Conservation status
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessment 2021).
- Threats: Localized habitat degradation due to agricultural expansion and urban development, though the species remains relatively widespread within its range.
- Conservation measures: No species‑specific programs; the animal benefits from protected areas within its distribution, such as the Table Mountain National Park and various provincial nature reserves.
References
- Rathbun, G. B., et al. (2021). "Elephantulus edwardii". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T41666A22011245.
- Wilson, D. E., & Reeder, D. M. (Eds.). (2005). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press.
- Clegg, S. M., & Schlitter, D. (2008). “Elephantulus edwardii”. Mammalian Species, 839, 1‑9.
Note: All information presented reflects current, verifiable sources as of 2026.
