Four-toed Sengi

The four-toed sengi is found in Central and Southern East Africa, notably in Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and possibly Namibia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, montane forests, and moist savannas. Throughout these countries, they are the second most widespread species, following the short-snouted sengi. Specifically, they thrive in dense forests (notably in dense evergreen growths), woodlands and thickets, with suitable cover and protection, as well as invertebrates for food. During the night, they prefer to sleep under dense brush (as opposed to a nest). In some areas, their habitats are being destroyed and four-toed sengis are being hunted, but their conservation status is of least concern.

The four-toed sengi is mostly active during the day and early evening, whereas during the night or midday, it tends to be less active. When the four-toed sengi runs, its tail points upwards; it also makes a noise through its hind feet. Ants react to this sound, which helps the four-toed sengi to locate its prey. When four-toed sengis fight, they usually fight in pairs of the same gender. They fight in a "boxing" motion, supporting themselves on their rear legs and boxing with their front limbs to tackle one another. Four-toed sengis have good senses of sight, smell and hearing, but their vocal capacity is not well developed. In captivity, they make different kinds of sounds, such as screaming, purring or clucking for help.