Round-eared elephant shrew

The round-eared elephant shrew (Latin: Macroscelides proboscideus) belongs to the order Macroscelidea and the family Macroscelididae. Although they resemble small rodents, these mammals are biologically distinct and native to Southern Africa. In an agronomic context, they are categorized as occasional agricultural pests, capable of disrupting soil integrity and damaging crops in arid agricultural regions.

This species favors open areas with sparse vegetation, often encroaching upon farmland. They are known to target cereal crops, vegetables, and cucurbits. They pose the greatest threat during the germination and early seedling stages, as their burrowing activity and foraging behaviors directly lead to the destruction of delicate root systems and young plant tissues.

The biology of the round-eared elephant shrew is characterized by diurnal activity and high mobility. They breed year-round, which allows for rapid population growth under favorable environmental conditions. Their life cycle centers on the construction and maintenance of complex burrow systems, which provide protection from predators but cause significant disturbance to the upper soil layers of cultivated fields.

Damage patterns include the gnawing of roots, stems, and seeds, often resulting in patchy crop stands and reduced yields. By using their specialized snouts and sharp incisors, these animals efficiently excavate sown seeds. The combination of root disruption and seed consumption poses a significant economic challenge, particularly when the pest density is high during the critical period of crop establishment.

Protection strategies emphasize integrated pest management. Key techniques include the use of physical barriers, vibration-based or ultrasound repellents, and deep soil cultivation to disrupt burrowing networks. Furthermore, maintaining clean field borders and ensuring precise planting depths can help reduce the attractiveness of the area to these animals and mitigate potential agricultural losses.