Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Macroscelidea
- Family
- Macroscelididae
- Genus
- Macroscelides
Habitat
This species inhabits rocky outcrops, gravel plains, and sparse grasslands in the arid regions of northwestern Namibia, particularly the Etendeka Plateau. It prefers areas with boulders and minimal vegetation for shelter and foraging. Elevation ranges from 500 to 1,500 meters in desert and semi-desert terrains.
Diet
The Etendeka round-eared sengi primarily feeds on insects such as ants, termites, and beetles, which it locates by sniffing and digging in the soil. It may also consume spiders and occasional plant matter like seeds. Feeding occurs mainly at dawn and dusk when it is most active.
Behavior
These sengis are solitary and territorial, marking their areas with scent glands to deter intruders. They are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, spending the day in rock crevices to avoid heat and predators. Notable behaviors include rapid, zigzagging runs for escape and a high-pitched vocalization during mating or alarm.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Vulnerable, with the population declining due to habitat loss from mining, agriculture, and climate change. Major threats include predation and fragmentation of their arid habitats.