Black And Rufous Sengi

The Usambara Mountains in Tanzania are home to one of the most biodiverse rainforests in the world. Formed nearly two million years ago along the East African Rift, the area is known for its unique flora and fauna, such as the black and rufous elephant shrew.

Black and rufous elephant shrews rarely stand still. They use their long, flexible snouts to sniff out insects and other small invertebrates on the forest floor. Even when not foraging for food, they are often wary and dashing away from threats. To escape their predators, terrestrial or airborne, such as snakes and birds of prey, they rely on their well-developed senses of smell, sight and hearing.

The species is not yet endangered, but the loss of the small habitat poses a threat.