The Cape elephant shrew (Klaasneusmuis)

You might have seen the Cape rock elephant shrew (Elephantulus edwardii) in your garden, or on your walks in the fynbos around Rooi-els. They are endemic to South-Africa and are fairly common.

They are also called Cape rock sengi and are not really shrews, but part of the family Macroscelididae.

 These cute little mammals have an insectivorous diet, but who can live on insects alone? It uses its long slender tongue to feed on the nectar of Hyobanche atropurpurea (katnaels) and some ground proteas. In the process it pollinates the plant by getting some pollen on its lips and fur.