Tiny elephant shrew discovered after 50 years of disappearance

Scientists have found tiny Somali elephant shrews in Djibouti, more than 50 years after the species was thought to have disappeared.

The Guardian reported on August 18 that scientists had found the tiny Somali elephant shrew in the Horn of Africa after it disappeared for more than 50 years. The last time scientists observed this species was in 1968.

The Somali elephant shrew (Elephantulus revoilii) is endemic to Somalia, known for its long elephant-like nose, large bat-like eyes, tall, slender legs, and agile jumps.

The Somali elephant shrew only mates with one other animal of its own kind for life. It can run at speeds of 30 km/h and eats ants with its long, trunk-like nose. The Somali elephant shrew has a tuft of hair on its tail, which distinguishes it from other elephant shrews.

Somali elephant shrew. (Photo: Global Wildlife).

Alerted by locals, scientists traveled to Djibouti to search for the animal, once thought to be extinct. Using what was known about the elephant shrew, they set traps in potential locations, baited with peanut butter, oatmeal, and yeast.

From the first traps in the dry terrain, scientists found a Somali elephant shrew, with the identifying feature of the tail tuft, which helps distinguish them from other elephant shrew species.

"This was amazing. When we opened the first trap and saw the little tuft of hair on its tail, we just looked at each other and couldn't believe our eyes. Many searches have been conducted in Djibouti since 1970 but have not found the Somali elephant shrew," said Steven Heritage, a scientist from Duke University, USA.

The team set more than 1,000 traps in various locations, and found a total of 12 Somali elephant shrews. "Finding that elephant shrews are in the wild is the first step in conservation. The next step after knowing they are still there is to make sure they never disappear again," Kelsey Neam, of Global Wildlife Conservation, told the BBC.

They look very strange, but are extremely cute.

DNA analysis shows that the Somali elephant shrew is most closely related to elephant shrews from Morocco and South Africa.

This new discovery shows that the elephant shrew, whose territory is limited to just the backyard of a house, has somehow traveled huge distances, establishing a presence in Djibouti, Morocco and South Africa.

Elephant shrews mainly eat insects, spiders, centipedes, millipedes, and earthworms. They use their noses to find prey and use their tongues to scoop up small pieces of food into their mouths, much like anteaters.

There are an estimated 20 species of elephant shrews in the world, of which the Somali elephant shrew is one of the most mysterious.

They have a very strange appearance, but are extremely cute. At first glance, they look like mice, but have long noses like an elephant's.

Their small, round bodies, smooth fur, round, sparkling eyes, and quick squirrel-like movements make them look harmless and adorable.

Many studies suggest that the closest relatives of the Somali elephant shrew are the lark, elephant or manatee.

The Somali elephant shrew is the most mysterious species.

The Somali elephant shrew was discovered by French naturalist Georges Révoil during his 1878–1881 expedition to Somalia.

The discovery of this creature in the wild could open a new era in understanding the species.

Since it was last seen in 1972, 39 specimens preserved in natural history museums around the world are the only physical evidence that the Somali elephant shrew ever existed.

The Global Wildlife Conservation Group even included it in its list of "25 Lost Species We Most Want to See".

Most of the published information about this species comes from studies based on the anatomy of museum specimens.