Scientists confirm presence of rare elephant shrew in Kilifi

Scientists have photographed the endangered golden-rumped elephant shrew that exclusively inhabits Dakatcha woodland in Magarini sub-county.

The photograph of the animal (Rhynchocyon chrysopygus) was captured using a camera trap set up by Arocha Kenya Conservation team, North of Sabaki River estuary.

In a press release on Friday, Colin Jackson, director of Arocha Kenya, said it was good news to confirm the presence of the unique species in the Dakatcha woodlands.

"Dakatcha is known for its rare birds but photographing the golden-rumped sengi makes Dakatcha more important for conservation," said Mr Jackson.

The animal is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The animal, also known as a sengi, is the size of a rabbit and lives within Dakatcha forest which is now heavily fragmented and reduced.

Sengi is not found anywhere else in the world.

Jackson said the species and its forest habitat should be celebrated and protected.

The animal gets its name from its long, flexible trunk-like nose and for years, it was known to be found within Arabuko-Sokoke forest and Gede Ruins.

Jackson said the scientists are surveying wildlife in the Arocha-Dakatcha Nature Reserve and Marafa, which has been set up specifically to protect the Sengi and rare Sokoke Scops Owl.

Long nose

He said the animal is insectivorous and prey on earthworms, millipedes, beetles or termites by using its long nose to probe the leaf litter.

The director said the woodland is under threat through illegal logging, charcoal burning and unmanaged pineapple plantation.

"Arocha, alongside other conservation partners, is working to preserve this landscape against irreversible damage," he said.

Samson Katisho, a community mobiliser at Mulunguni within Dakatcha woodlands, said the animal was found near his home.

Scientists believe residents have witnessed the golden-rumped Sengi in Dakatcha for many years but confirming its presence through photographic evidence will give it further recognition among experts.

"We encourages the county government to recognise the global value of this biodiversity and to include it as part of the county’s development ambitions,’’ said Jackson.

Dakatcha woodland is recognised internationally as an important biodiversity, but lacks formal protection.