Macroscelides proboscideus

The round-eared elephant shrew, also known as the round-eared sengi, is a captivating creature from the Macroscelididae family. These diminutive mammals can be found in the wilds of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. They thrive in a variety of environments, including subtropical and tropical dry shrublands, lowland grasslands, and even arid deserts.

Their diet mainly consists of insects, shoots, and roots, showcasing their adaptability in diverse habitats. An intriguing aspect of their biology is their relatively short gestation period, which lasts just 56 days.

What truly sets elephant shrews apart is their monogamous lifestyle. Unlike many other mammals, they maintain a lifelong partnership with one mate, a behavior that has captivated scientists. Researchers have studied their unique mate-guarding behaviors to gain a deeper understanding of monogamy in the animal kingdom.