19. Black-Eared Jumping Shrew Family - (Macroscelididae) Genus species - (Macroscelides melanotis) Serial numbers - (377, 378, 383 - shot with 38 cal. 40x. shot in area ½ mi. to 1 mi. west of Garies.) Namagualand.) 19) The Black-eared elephant shrew inhabits a sandy semi desert area. I have seen them running about with tail in air, scampering from one bble to another or from one stone to another. They move about quite rapidly. Observed one hiding under a rock. His long soft nose twitched though the rest of his body was motionless. When alarmed the shrew will hide under a bush or take refuge in his den which is usually under a bush or under a stone or cranny in the rocks. They will often run into the holes made by the Veldt Otomy. Their own burrows have several escape outlets. They live in an area of succulent and of spiny desert plants which abound in insect life. They seem to live in close association with the Veldt Otomy. I have seen them scampering about in the cooler parts of the day in the mornings and evenings. Have also seen them basking in the hot sun near their holes. In one female I found two small embryos. The mammary glands were full of milk. In the males I found the long slender penis was in a mid ventral position. They are very delicate little animals and very timid.