Reproduction and growth of elephant shrews or sengis (Macroscelidea)

Sengis or elephant shrews have been studied for more than a century but information on their biology is still scattered. The reproductive biology of sengis is best understood in the context of their evolutionary history. This research aims to consolidate molecular findings of other studies with morphological methods to contribute to a better understanding of their phylogeny. Being members of the Afrotheria, particular attention was paid to this African clade of mammals. The theoretical part of this book summarizes and discusses the knowledge on reproductive parameters across the order Macroscelidea. Various reproductive characteristics are unique for a small mammal. In the practical part of the book morphological methods are applied to distinguish between sengi genera. The topographic distribution of penis and mammae could be determined and mammary tissue was examined with different histological and histochemical methods. The specific part of the book analyses body measurements of the short-eared sengi (Macroscelides proboscideus) during the post-natal development.

Autorentext

Dr. rer. nat. Gea Olbricht studied biology at the Freie Universität Berlin. She worked for several years as curator at Wuppertal Zoo and is author and translater of various nature and animal books. In 2009 she completed her Doctoral degree in Zoology at the Universität Duisburg-Essen.