Rhynchocyon udzungwensis

Rovero, Rathbun, Perkin, Jones, Ribble, Leonard, Mwakisoma and Doggart, 2008

Grey-faced Sengi

Figure 1. Photograph by F. Rovero.

Figure 2. FMNH 194127. Photograph by R. Banasiak.

Type Description:

Rovero, F., G. B. Rathbun, A. Perkin, T. Jones, D. O. Ribble, C. Leonard, R. R. Mwakisoma and N. Doggart. 2008. A new species of giant sengi or elephant-shrew (genus Rhynchocyon) highlights the exceptional biodiversity of the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania, Journal of Zoology, 274(2008):126-133.

Type Locality:

Vikomgwa River Valley, Ndundulu Forest, West Kilombero Scarp Forest Reserve, Udzungwa Mountains, Iringa region, Tanzania [07°48.269'S, 36°30.355'E(Arc 1960 datum)], at 1350m a.s.l. This location is c. 15km south-east of Udekwa Village, Iringa Region, Tanzania. (Rovero, Rathbun, Perkin, Jones, Ribble, Leonard, Mwakisoma and Doggart, 2008)

Measurements:

Total length: 550-580 mm

Head and body: 297-318 mm

Tail length: 239-262 mm

Hindfoot length: 79-88 mm

Ear length: 31-37 mm

Weight: 658-750 g

Description:

One of the largest elephant shrews, this recently discovered sengi has a grey grizzled forehead and blackish rump, and the black does not extend up to the shoulders along the back.

Comparisons:

The grey forehead and black rump, with the black not extending up past the midpoint of the back, differentiates this species from R. petersi. The lack of distinctive spots or golden rump differentiates R. udzungwensis from R. cirnei and R. chrysopygus, respectively.

Distribution:

Rhynchocyon udzungwensis is concentrated within the closed canopy forests of Ndundulu-Luhomero from 1350 to 2300m and Mwanihana from 1000 to 1700m within the Udzungwa Mountains. (Rovero et al., 2008).

Ecological Notes:

R. udzungwensis is always found in moist forest, including bamboo habitats. This species is diurnal and builds nests of leaves much like other species in the genus. (Rovero et al., 2008). For more information on this species and other mammals of the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania, visit the website for the Udzungwa Ecological Monitoring Centre.

Key Reference:

1. Rovero, F., G. B. Rathbun, A. Perkin, T. Jones, D. O. Ribble, C. Leonard, R. R. Mwakisoma and N. Doggart. 2008. A new species of giant sengi or elephant-shrew (genus Rhynchocyon) highlights the exceptional biodiversity of the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania, Journal of Zoology, 274(2008):126-133.