Scientists Discover Tiny Somali Elephant Shrew in Djibouti After 50 Years of Believed Extinction
The Guardian reported on August 18 that scientists have rediscovered the tiny Somali elephant shrew in the Horn of Africa after it was thought to have been extinct for over 50 years. The last confirmed sighting of this species was in 1968.
The Somali elephant shrew, also known as Somali sengi (Elephantulus revoilii), is endemic to Somalia and is characterized by its long, trunk-like nose, large bat-like eyes, slender legs, and agile jumps.
The Somali elephant shrew pairs with only one other mate in its lifetime. This species can run at speeds of up to 30 km/h and uses its long nose to eat ants, resembling an elephant’s trunk. Somali elephant shrews have a tuft of fur at the end of their tail, which distinguishes them from other elephant shrew species.
Somali elephant shrew. (Photo: Global Wildlife).
Prompted by local reports, scientists traveled to Djibouti to search for this animal, which was thought to be completely extinct. Utilizing their existing knowledge of elephant shrew ecology, they set traps in potential locations using bait such as peanut butter, oatmeal, and yeast.
From the very first traps placed in the dry terrain, researchers found a Somali elephant shrew, identified by its distinctive tuft of tail fur, which helps differentiate it from other elephant shrew species.
“This is amazing. When we opened the first trap and saw its little tuft of fur on the tail, we just looked at each other in disbelief. Many searches have been conducted in Djibouti since 1970 without finding the Somali elephant shrew,” said Steven Heritage, a scientist from Duke University, USA.
The research team set over 1,000 traps at various locations, ultimately discovering 12 individuals of the Somali elephant shrew. “The discovery of this species in the wild is the first step in conservation efforts. The next step, now that we know they still exist, is to ensure they never go extinct again,” Kelsey Neam from the Global Wildlife Conservation organization stated on BBC.
They look very strange but are extremely cute.
DNA analysis indicates that the Somali elephant shrew is most closely related to elephant shrew species found in Morocco and South Africa.
This new discovery suggests that the Somali elephant shrew, which inhabits a territory roughly the size of a backyard, has somehow traversed a significant distance to be present in Djibouti, Morocco, and South Africa.
Elephant shrews primarily feed on insects, spiders, centipedes, millipedes, and earthworms. They use their noses to detect prey and their tongues to stuff small food items into their mouths, similar to anteaters.
It is estimated that there are around 20 species of elephant shrews worldwide, with the Somali elephant shrew being one of the most mysterious.
They have a very unusual appearance but are extremely cute. At first glance, they resemble mice, but they have a long nose similar to that of an elephant.
Their small, round body, smooth fur, sparkling round eyes, and squirrel-like agility make them appear harmless and adorable.
Many studies suggest that the closest relatives of the Somali elephant shrew are the lark, elephant, or manatee.
The Somali elephant shrew is one of the most mysterious species.
The Somali elephant shrew was discovered by the French naturalist Georges Révoil during an expedition in Somalia from 1878 to 1881.
The rediscovery of this species in the wild could usher in a new era of understanding of this animal.
Since it was last seen in 1972, the 39 specimens preserved in natural history museums around the world are the only physical evidence confirming the existence of the Somali elephant shrew.
The Global Wildlife Conservation group even included it on the list of “25 Most Wanted Lost Species.”
Most of the information published about this species has originated from studies based on the anatomy of museum specimens.
