Rhynchocyon petersi

Bocage, 1880

Black-and-rufous Sengi

Figure 1. Photograph by B. Stanley.

Figure 2. FMNH 151213. Photograph by R. Banasiak.

Type Description:

J. Sci. Math. Phys. Nat. Lisboa, ser. 1, 7:159

Type Locality:

Tanzania, mainland opposite Zanzibar.

Measurements:

Total length: 485-544 mm

Head and body: 235-315 mm

Tail length: 190-263 mm

Hindfoot length: 73-88 mm

Ear length: 30-35 mm

Weight: 408-440 g

Description:

This distinctive sengi has a brightly contrasting red head and a mostly black back and rump.

Comparisons:

The black on the rump of R. petersi extends up the back and up to the shoulders, differentiating it from R. udzungwensis, where the black is confined to the rump. The forehead is orange or red in R. petersi, and not grizzled grey as in R. udzungwensis. The lack of distinctive spots or golden rump differentiates R. petersi from R. cirnei and R. chrysopygus, respectively.

Distribution:

Rhynchocyon petersi is found within the coastal and montane forests and thickets along the Tanzaninan and Kenyan coastline. (Kingdon, 1984, 1997)

Ecological Notes:

Like other species of the genus, R. petersi eats insects, with ants and termites a favored food. (Kingdon, 1984)

Key Reference:

1. Kingdon, J. 1984. East African mammals: An atlas of evolution in Africa. (Insectivores and Bats). University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2A:40-52.
2. Kingdon, J. 1997. The Kingdon field guide to African mammals, AP Natural World Academic Press, Harcourt Brace & Company, San Diego, p. 151-152.
3. Nowak, R. M. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World. Sixth ed. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 2:1739-1742.