Tiny elephant-like mammal discovered in Namib Desert

A new species of elephant shrew, or round-eared segni, called the Macroscelides micus has been discovered in the Namib desert. The discovery of the mammal has been detailed by researchers from the California Academy of Sciences in the Journal of Mammalogy.

The elephant shrew may be mouse-like in appearance, but it in fact shares of more of its DNA with the savannah giants from which it takes its name. The only discernible visual similarity between the creature, which weighs only 28 g, and an elephant is the sengi's long twig-like snout, which could be compared to an elephant's trunk. It uses its snout in the same way an anteater does and for the same purpose—to sweep the floor and look for ants to eat.

These particular elephant shrews differ from other species by their size—at 19 cm they are smaller than their closest relatives—and their rusty red fur, which helps the little critter to camouflage itself in the surrounding desert environment. They were also found to have a large subcaudal gland—the scent gland located on the underside of the tail—and lacked the dark skin pigment of other sengi.