Rhynchocyon
Rhynchocyon chrysopygus
Rhynchocyon cirnei
Rhynchocyon petersi
Rhynchocyon stuhlmanni[2]
Rhynchocyon udzungwensis
Rhynchocyon is a genus of elephant shrew (or sengi) in the family Macroscelididae.[1] Members of this genus are known colloquially as the checkered elephant shrews[3] or giant sengis.[4]It contains the following five species:[5]
The giant sengis are endemic to Africa, and usually live in lowland montane and dense forests,[6] often "avoiding" edges of forest patches.[7][8] They eat primarily insects such as beetles, termites, ants, and centipedes, using their proboscises to dig them from the soil and its tongue to lick them up.[9] Their facial morphology limits their diets to tiny invertebrates, and unlike other members of Macroscelidea, do not supplement their diet with foods such as nuts or small fruits.[10]
They typically build ground level nests for shelter[11] requiring dry leaf litter.[12] The primary structure of a nest for R. udzungwensis, for example, consists of the excavation of a cup-like indentation in the soil, layered with leaves, and the covered with looser leaves as a roof covering.[13] They usually construct their nests at the base of trees.[13] They also use hollowed, fallen trees or trunks to retreat in shelter.[10]
They are typically active in the day (diurnal), spending their nights sheltered. Other Macroscelidea species are known to bask in the sun as a method of thermoregulation to save energy.[10] Giant sengis do not bask—and it is most likely due to their adaptation to shaded canopy forest environments.[10]
Sengis live in monogamous pairs, defending hectare-sized territories.[14][11] Pairs spend little time together except when the female is in estrous.[10] Mating occurs quickly and offspring grow quickly with minimal parental investment—none of which of is paternal.[10]
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