This
order, containing the single family Macroscelididae with 4
recent genera and 15 species, inhabits Africa, including the
island of Zanzibar. Although long assigned to the Insectivora
by many mammalogists, the Macroscelididae are now generally
considered to represent an entirely separate order. The long
and slender tail is usallly covered with bristles. A naked black
gland in the undersurface of the tail exudes small beads of
moisture that have a musky odor, especially in the males. The
pelage, which is soft, is lacking in the rump region. The long,
narrow snout, broadest at the base, is extremely sensitive,
it is not retractile, but is somewhat flexible and movable in
a circular manner at the base. The nostrils are located at the
end of the snout. The eyes and ears are well developed. The
hind leg is much longer than the forelimb. Habitats include
thornbush country, grassy plains, thickets, the undergrowth
of forests, and rocky outcrops. They are active mainly during
the day, but are nocturnal during hot weather. They usually
reside singly or in pairs. They have a jumping locomotion, except
when moving slowly.
Family
Macroscelididae