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While studying the systematics and taxonomy of round-eared sengis (genus Macroscelides), we identified an unusual specimen from remote northwestern Namibia in the collection of the California Academy of Sciences. To determine if this represented a different species, we made 9 collecting trips with 5,616 trap-nights of effort that produced 16 voucher specimens (including the original specimen) of the unusual sengi. These specimens are distinguished from other Macroscelides species by morphological metrics (they are smaller), external features (rusty-tinged pelage, large subcaudal gland, and lack of dark skin pigment), and by divergence at 3 independently segregating DNA loci. These traits are the basis for the description of a new species of Macroscelides that seems to be confined to gravel plains associated with the distinctive reddish colored Etendeka geological formation of northwestern Namibia. The new species appears to be reproductively isolated from congeners, because portions of its distribution are sympatric with that of the Namib round-eared sengi ( M. flavicaudatus), and we found no evidence of hybrid individuals or gene flow. The new species is allopatric with the Karoo round-eared sengi ( M. proboscideus), which is found about 500 km to the south. The new species, along with M. flavicaudatus, is endemic to Namibia. With this 3rd species in the genus, there are now 19 recognized extant species in the order Macroscelidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The black mongoose (Galerella nigrata) occurs in northern Namibia, where it occupies habitats dominated by large boulders (petrophily). Because of its restricted distribution, virtually nothing has been documented about its natural history. To fill this data gap, six males were radio-tracked in the foothills of the Erongo Mountains, Namibia in 2003. Although largely solitary, some home ranges overlapped nearly 100%. Males sometimes formed hunting diads similar to other congeners. The animals were diurnal and denned alone, using multiple sites haphazardly from night to night. The diet included many petrophilic vertebrates. The taxonomic status of the black mongoose is controversial; in addition to morphological evidence that it is a full species, it appears to be a habitat specialist compared with other forms of Galerella in southern African. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Namib Desert golden mole ( Eremitalpa granti namibensis) is morphologically, physiologically and behaviourally specialized for living in the harsh loose-sand desert. Ecological studies have relied on visually tracking animals on the surface of sand dunes. A radio tag would allow individuals to be more reliably located, even while under the sand. We developed a radio attachment and gathered preliminary data on winter habitat use by six individuals during 21 days. We compare data from previous studies and suggest that the greater diurnal activity, smaller home ranges, and more restricted movement patterns that we found are related to the unusual thermal and metabolic biology of Eremitalpa. Résumé La taupe dorée du Désert du Namib ( Eremitalpa granti namibensis) est morphologiquement, physiologiquement et comportementalement spécialisée pour vivre dans le rude désert de sable fin. Des études écologiques se sont basées sur l'observation visuelle des animaux à la surface des dunes de sable. Un marquage radio permettrait de localiser plus exactement les individus même sous la surface. Nous avons développé un dispositif radio et nous avons réuni des données préliminaires sur l'utilisation hivernale de l'habitat par six individus pendant 21 jours. Nous comparons les données d’études précédentes et nous suggérons que la plus grande activité diurne, les plus petits espaces vitaux et les schémas de déplacements plus restreints que nous avons relevés sont liés à la biologie thermique et métabolique inhabituelle d’ Eremitalpa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The round-eared sengis or elephant-shrews (genus Macroscelides) exhibit striking pelage variation throughout their ranges. Over ten taxonomic names have been proposed to describe this variation, but currently only two taxa are recognized (M. proboscideus proboscideus and M. p. flavicaudatus). Here, we review the taxonomic history of Macroscelides, and we use data on the geographic distribution, morphology, and mitochondrial DNA sequence to evaluate the current taxonomy. Our data support only two taxa that correspond to the currently recognized subspecies M. p. proboscideus and M. p. flavicaudatus. Mitochondrial haplotypes of these two taxa are reciprocally monophyletic with over 13% uncorrected sequence divergence between them. PCA analysis of 14 morphological characters (mostly cranial) grouped the two taxa into non-overlapping clusters, and body mass alone is a relatively reliable distinguishing character throughout much of Macroscelides range. Although fieldworkers were unable to find sympatric populations, the two taxa were found within 50 km of each other, and genetic analysis showed no evidence of gene flow. Based upon corroborating genetic data, morphological data, near sympatry with no evidence of gene flow, and differences in habitat use, we elevate these two forms to full species.