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The elephant shrew takes its strange name from its snout, which typically is long and hangs down, much like an elephant’s trunk. Elephant shrews are native to Africa. They live in thickly forested regions and on the more open grasslands. There are 19 different species of elephant shrews, also known as sengis, throughout Africa. Elephant shrews are omnivores, eating insects such as termites, ants and beetles, as well as fruits, tubers and plant roots. The smaller elephant shrews forage for food at dusk and at dawn, but the giant elephant shrews stay active throughout the daylight hours. Monogamy is a trait rare among mammals, but the elephant shrew practices it, mating with one partner for life.