Rhynchocyon chrysopygus

Rhynchocyon chrysopygus Skull Replica measures 2.7 inches. Known as Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew. Rhynchocyon chrysopygus skull is museum quality polyurethane cast. Made in the USA. Skull is adult male. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home decor skull, or office decor skull.

The Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew or Rhynchocyon chrysopygus is found in the northern coastal areas in and around Arabuko Sokoke National Park Mombasa in Kenya.

Its name derives from the conspicuous golden fur on its hindquarters, distinctive golden coloration on its rump, and grizzled gold forehead contrasting with its dark reddish-brown color.

Rhynchocyon chrysopygus has long muscular rear legs and shorter, less developed forelegs. Like other elephant shrews, this species has a long and flexible snout, which is where its genus gets its name. Its tail is largely black except for the last third, which is white with a black tip.

On juveniles, the fur shows vestigial traces of a checkerboard pattern seen on giant elephant shrews like the checkered elephant shrew.

Rhynchocyon chrysopygus diet consists of invertebrates such as earthworms, millipedes, insects and spiders. These animals root through the leaf litter for 80 percent of their day looking for grasshoppers, beetles, spiders and other small invertebrates.

Rhynchocyon chrysopygus evolved various strategies to avoid predators, particularly snakes (such as black mambas and cobras) and the southern banded snake-eagle.

This animal is fast, capable of running up to 25 km/h. When it detects a predator within its escape distance, it will adopt a defensive position and will try to escape taking advantage of its agility and speed.

If, however, the predator is outside its escape distance, the elephant shrew will advertise its presence by slapping the leaf litter, letting the predator know it has been spotted.

The Rhynchocyon chrysopygus or Golden-rumped Elephant Shrews are monogamous and territorial behavior is seen in both males and females defending overlapping territories. They mate year round. Females give birth to one young in an approximate 42-day cycle.

The newborn offspring are usually ready to leave the mother’s den after two weeks, and it takes approximately five days after leaving the nest for them to become fully independent in the wild. The male does not take part in any parental care of the newborns.