Possible new species of Giant elephant-shrew discovered in Kenya

16/09/2010 09:49:59

Elusive elephant-shrew found in African forest

September 2010. A giant elephant-shrew species recently discovered in a remote African forest may be new to science. Conservationists researching the biodiversity of the Boni-Dodori forest on the coast of north-eastern Kenya were thrilled to capture pictures of the bizarre mammal.

Camera traps were set up in the remote forest after Grace Wambui, a fellow of The Zoological Society of London's (ZSL) EDGE of Existence programme spotted an elusive elephant-shrew she didn't recognise in the area. ZSL and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) photographed the mystery animal and believe it may be a new species of giant sengi, otherwise known as an elephant-shrew (Macroscelidea).

Elephant shrews or sengis are small insectivorous mammals native to Africa. They belong to the family Macroscelididae, so-named because they superficially resemble large shrews with long flexible snouts. However, sengis actually belong to an ancient group of animals that evolved in Africa over 100 million years ago, and share a common ancestor with elephants, sea cows, hyraxes, aardvark, tenrecs and golden-moles (the super-cohort Afrotheria). There are 17 species split into two distinct groups, the giant sengis (containing four species in the genus Rhynchocyon), and the smaller, soft-furred sengis (thirteen species in three genera). Sengis are not common but can be found in almost any type of habitat, from desert to thick forest. They are relatively small animals which range from about ten to 30 centimeters in length, from just under 30g to over 700g. The giant sengis have distinctively patterned coats, which are reflected in their names e.g. golden-rumped sengi, black and rufous sengi. The animals' "trunk" is used to search for food. Credit ZSL.

Not shrews - Closely related to elephants!
There are currently only 17 species of elephant-shrew known to science, all endemic to Africa. The animals are more closely related to elephants than shrews, despite being relatively small creatures, and got their peculiar name because of their long, flexible, trunk-like nose.

ZSL senior field conservation biologist, Dr Rajan Amin said: "This is an important discovery. The whole team was very excited to capture pictures of this mammal. We will continue our work to document the forest's rich biodiversity and to determine if this is a new species of elephant-shrew. The findings of our study are highlighting the conservation importance of these unique coastal forests."

Forest threatened by coastal development
Sam Andanje from the KWS said: "Prior to our study, the biodiversity of the Boni-Dodori forests was poorly understood as a result of limited access due to security problems and poor infrastructure. This discovery has underlined the conservation significance of these isolated forests. Unfortunately, they are highly threatened by on-going rapid coastal development and there is now an urgent need for an effective management plan."

Galen Rathbun from the California Academy of Sciences said: "Once DNA samples have been collected, we look forward to conducting the genetic analysis required to determine whether or not this is indeed a new species of elephant-shrew. With their ancient and often misunderstood ancestry, their monogamous mating strategies, and their charismatic flexible snouts, they are captivating animals. It is always exciting to describe a new species-a necessary precursor for ensuring that the animals are protected."