Golden-Rumped Elephant Shrew Skull

$91.00

The Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew (Rhynchocyon chrysopygus) is a small African mammal. It is the largest species of the elephant shrew family along with its close relative the grey-faced sengi. It is classified as endangered.

Description

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

The Golden-rumped elephant shrew or Rhynchocyon chrysopygus is a small African mammal. It is the largest species of the elephant shrew family along with its close relative the grey-faced sengi. It is classified as endangered.

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.

The Golden-rumped elephant shrew or 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.

The Golden-rumped elephant shrew or 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.

The Golden-rumped elephant shrew or 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.

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Additional information

Weight 1 lbs
Dimensions 2.7 in
Golden Rumped Elephant Shrew Facts

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Macroscelidea
Family: Macroscelididae
Genus: Rhynchocyon
Species: R. chrysopygus
Conservation status: Endangered