An awesome, and super-cute, discovery! Scientists in the Horn of Africa have found a mammal that’s been missing in action for more than 50 years!
The Somali elephant shrew hasn’t been documented since the late 60s, although locals knew they were around. Despite its name, it’s actually not a shrew, or a mouse like it appears to be. Also known as the Somali sengi, it’s more closely realted to elephants, aardvarks and even manatees! Check out the trunk on this little character!
The critter’s long back legs are kind of like a gazelles. Word is some species of sengi can run up to 30 kilometers an hour!
So the Somali elephant shrew is not only quick and unique, it’s also scientifically adorable. CNN quotes researcher Steven Heritage: “In the scientific community we try to use a reserved language that would classify the animals as ‘charismatic microfauna,’ which translates from science speak to normal speak as ‘adorable little animals.'”
“When you see them, it’s impossible not to adore them.”
A mouse-sized elephant shrew has been rediscovered in Djibouti in Africa after being missing for 50 years. Yes, it’s really related to an elephant, say @Global_Wildlife and @DukeLemurCenter pic.twitter.com/V2o7Z5Kt0R
— Bloomberg Originals (@bbgoriginals) August 19, 2020
