The short-eared elephant shrew mostly inhabits Namibia, southern Botswana, and South Africa.

(Shaw, 1983)

Biogeographic Regions: ethiopian (Native )

Compared to members of the other elephant shrew genus, the short-eared elephant shrew has shorter and rounder ears and lacks the pale rings around the eyes that are typical of those animals. The tail is hairy, with a visible gland on the underside. On the hind feet, the first digit is small and has a claw. The fur is usually long, soft, and is an orange, brown or grayish color on top and a lighter color on the underside. Adults often weigh between 40-50 grams with 100-110mm long bodies and 97-130mm long tails. Defining skull features include an enlarged auditory bullae and the appearance of three upper incisors, as well as a short rostrum and crowded teeth. Females also have six mammae.

(Rathbun & Fons) (Unger, online)

Range mass: 40 to 50 g.

Range length: 100 to 110 mm.

Average basal metabolic rate: 0.292 W.

• Terrestrial

The animal only lives in desert and semi-desert areas of the countries in which it is found. It hides in the sparse grass cover or bushes that are a part of these dry areas. They also burrow into the sand.

(Smith, 1829)

Terrestrial Biomes: desert or dune ; scrub forest

Short-eared elephant shrews typically eat insects, usually termites and ants, and other small invertebrates. They may also feed on plant parts such as roots, shoots, and berries.

(Unger & Kratochvil, 1999)

Animal Foods: insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods

Plant Foods: leaves; roots and tubers; fruit

Primary Diet: carnivore (Insectivore , Eats non-insect arthropods)

These elephant shrews help move soil around to create their burrows as well as recycle vacant burrows left from rodent species.

(Unger, online)

Ecosystem Impact: soil aeration

The animal usually jumps from bush to bush during the day or basks in the sun, but if harassed by diurnal predators, such as hawks, it switches its schedule and looks for food at dusk, hiding in bushes during the day. Also, by using their forelimbs these animals can dig tunnels very rapidly to quickly escape predators. Few predators prey on the young because the young mature and leave the nest shortly after birth.

(Lincoln Park Zoo, online) (Smith, 1829)

Known Predators:

• hawks (Accipitridae)

In the wild, these animals only live for 1-2 years. In captivity they can live as long as 3-4 years.

(Unger, online)

Range lifespan

Status: wild: 1 to 2 years.

Range lifespan

Status: captivity: 3 to 4 years.

Average lifespan

Status: captivity: 8.7 years.

The breeding season is in the warm, wet months of August and September. A female may have many pregnancies during one breeding season.  (Shaw, 1934)

Mating System: monogamous

Gestation for these animals is typically about 56 days and only two young are born, sometimes one. They are born in a very precocial state; they can run within a few hours after birth, are large in size, and are born with hair and their eyes open. Babies are weaned at 16-25 days and reach sexual maturity after about 43 days. (Rathbun & Fons)

Breeding season: August and September

Range number of offspring: 1 to 2.

Average number of offspring: 2.

Average gestation period: 56 days.

Range weaning age: 16 to 25 days.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 43 days.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 43 days.

Key Reproductive Features: gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (Internal ); viviparous

Average birth mass: 7 g.

Average gestation period: 65 days.

Average number of offspring: 1.6.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)

Sex: female: 44 days.

The female does not make a nest for the young; however, she will find a sheltered area and give birth to the young in it. The mother does not guard her young and is gone from the litter most of the time, coming back once a day to feed the young. (Smith, 1829)

Parental Investment: precocial ; female parental care

Due to destruction of its habitat, this species is labeled “vulnerable” by the IUCN.

(Shaw, 1983)

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern

Possible helpful soil movement from burrowing activity.

(Unger, online)