This is a grey-faced sengi, Rhynchocyon udzungwensis, a new species of giant elephant shrew that has been described in the February issue of Journal of Zoology (Lond.) (on whose editorial board I sit). It's a 700g beastie, so it is hefty for an elephant shrew.
Photo by AFP & California Academy of Sciences.
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The grey-faced sengi (Rhynchocyon udzungwensis). From Rovero, et al. (2008).
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Scientists have discovered two new species of animal recently, one in Tanzania and the other in Nepal. Though the researchers had spotted the giant, cat-sized shrew (Rhynchocyon udzungwensis) as far back as 2005 in Tanzania, they have now identified it as a new kind of giant sengi.
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New Species Of Giant Elephant-shrew Discovered:
When Francesco Rovero first saw the image captured by one of his automatic cameras in a remote Tanzanian forest, he knew he'd never seen anything quite like it. It was the size of a small dog, covered in orange and gray fur, and had a long snout like…
That's great news! I'll make sure I check out the issue in which it's described.
I can't believe how much that looks like a rhinogradentian Snouter.
that sengi IS really cool...I could not help but post on this as well: added a video and some shots from the expedition.
thanx I can't believe how much that looks like a rhinogradentian Snouter.