Afrotheres | Afrotheria

Afrotheres | Afrotheria

Description
Description

Afrotheria is a fascinating and diverse superorder of mammals that originated in Africa. This group encompasses various species with distinct appearances and habitats, such as elephants, aardvarks, manatees, and several others. They're united not by visible similarities but by genetic ties, revealing a common ancestor dating back to the Gondwanan supercontinent. Afrotheres have adapted to a wide range of environments, from savannas to oceans. Evolutionary paths have led to unique traits: the trunk of an elephant, the aquatic adaptations of manatees, and the insectivorous diet of aardvarks. These creatures illustrate the rich tapestry of life's adaptability and evolution.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Afrotheres, a group of African-origin mammals, display a fascinating range of anatomical features. Elephants, the largest land animals, boast long trunks and tusks. Manatees, gentle sea cows, have paddle-like tails for swimming. Aardvarks, nocturnal creatures, possess strong claws for digging and long tongues for termite feasting. Hyraxes, despite their small size, share distant ancestry with elephants. Sengis, or elephant shrews, have elongated snouts for insect hunting. Many Afrotheres communicate with unique sounds, from the deep rumbles of elephants to the subtle chirps of sengis. Their senses are tuned to their habitats, whether it's the keen hearing of aardvarks or the sensitive skin of manatees.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Humans and Afrotheres share a complex relationship. Elephants, revered for their intelligence and majesty, have been celebrated in media and religious iconography, yet have also suffered from poaching. Manatees, often depicted as gentle giants in children's stories, face threats from habitat loss. Aardvarks and hyraxes, less known, occasionally appear in animated films, sparking curiosity.

Conservation efforts for Afrotheres vary: elephant protection programs are widespread, focusing on anti-poaching and habitat preservation. Manatee conservation includes safeguarding waterways. Public education and legal protection are critical in maintaining the delicate balance between humans and these diverse and fascinating creatures.

Common Questions
Common Questions
Why are Afrotheria different than other mammals?

Afrotheria are different than other mammals as the 7 groups that make up this clade are not physically in resemblance with one another so their relationship is not often known. The 7 groups that make up this order include the elephants, sea cows, hyraxes, aardvarks, elephant shrews, golden moles, and tenrecs.

How many species of Afrotheria are there?

In total there are 4,700 species of Afrotheria which make up about one-third of all the living orders of mammals. The Afrotheria species make up about 80 of the 1,250 species of mammals that live in Africa and Madagascar.

Are aardvarks and elephants related?

Aardvarks and elephants are related as they both belong to the group of primitive ungulates that are called Uranotherians. The split between them took place more than 90 million years ago and led to the Ungulate, Carnivore, Xenarthran, and Cetacean orders. Aardvarks and elephants are part of the Afrotheres clade.

Aardvark
267700
23.6”-29.9” | 60-76 cm
11”-13.4” | 28-34 cm
41.3”-51.2” | 105-130 cm (Body)
88-176 lb | 40-80 kg
15-30 years
Aardvark
76.000
34.000
130.000
80.000
30.00
267700
GUIDE
3D
Aardvark
8.5’-13’ | 2.6-4 m
4.27’-6.89’ | 1.3-2.1 m
10’-16.5’ | 3-5 m
5,500-15,400 lb | 2,500-7,000 kg
60-75 years
African Bush Elephant
400.000
210.000
500.000
7000.000
75.00
42900
GUIDE
3D
African Bush Elephant
5.92’-9.83’ | 1.8-3 m
2.82’-4.59’ | .86-1.4 m
7.22’-12.13’ | 2.2-3.7 m
8,818-13,889 lb | 4,000-6,300 kg
60-70 years
African Forest Elephant
300.000
140.000
370.000
6300.000
70.00
17400
GUIDE
3D
African Forest Elephant
1.6’-2’ | 50-62 cm
2.1’-2.7’ | 63-83 cm
8’-10’ | 2.4-3 m
573-1,058 lb | 260-480 kg
15-30 years
Amazonian Manatee
62.000
83.000
300.000
480.000
30.00
3900
GUIDE
3D
Amazonian Manatee
5.7”-7.5” | 14.5-19 cm
3.3”-4.5” | 8.5-11.5 cm
9.1”-11.8” | 23-30 cm (Body)
1-1.54 lb | 450-700 g
4-5 years
Black & Rufous Elephant Shrew
19.000
11.500
30.000
0.700
5.00
320
GUIDE
3D
Black & Rufous Elephant Shrew
8.17’-9.83’ | 2.5-3 m
3.94’-5.25’ | 1.2-1.6 m
10.17’-12.47’ | 3.1-3.8 m
6,000-10,000 | 2,720-4,535 kg
55-70 years
Borneo Pygmy Elephant
300.000
160.000
380.000
4535.000
70.00
1850
GUIDE
3D
Borneo Pygmy Elephant
7.1”-12.2” | 18-31 cm
4.3”-7.5” | 11-19 cm
12.2”-21.7” | 31-55 cm
2.9-7.9 lb | 1.3-3.6 kg
10-14 years
Bush Hyrax
31.000
19.000
55.000
3.600
14.00
150
GUIDE
3D
Bush Hyrax
5.9”-7.7” | 15-19.5 cm
4.3”-5.7” | 11-14.5 cm
8.7”-11.4” | 22-29 cm (Body)
1.4-2.9 oz | 40-83 g
2-6 years
Cape Elephant Shrew
19.500
14.500
29.000
0.083
6.00
240
GUIDE
3D
Cape Elephant Shrew
1.6”-2” | 4-5 cm
1.6”-2” | 4-5 cm
3.9”-4.7” | 10-12 cm
.9-1.7 oz | 25-47 g
3-4 years
Cape Golden Mole
5.000
5.000
12.000
0.047
4.00
180
GUIDE
3D
Cape Golden Mole
4.25’-4.58’ | 1.3-1.4 m
2.4’-2.5’ | .73-.76 m
5.58’-5.91’ | 1.7-1.8 m
440-550 lb | 200-250 kg
68 years (minimum)
Cyprus Dwarf Elephant
140.000
76.000
180.000
250.000
68.00
70
GUIDE
3D
Cyprus Dwarf Elephant
Dugong
302300
1.9’-3.1’ | 58-95 cm
3’-5’ | 93-153 cm
8’-13’ | 2.4-4 m
507-838 lb | 230-380 kg
50-70 years
Dugong
95.000
153.000
400.000
380.000
70.00
302300
GUIDE
3D
Dugong
7.9”-9.4” | 20-24 cm
5.9”-7.1” | 15-18 cm
18.5”-22” | 47-56 cm
3.7-6.6 lb | 1.7-3 kg
10-14 years
Eastern Tree Hyrax
24.000
18.000
56.000
3.000
14.00
1820
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Tree Hyrax
2”-2.6” | 5-6.5 cm
1.2”-1.6” | 3-4 cm
3.1”-3.9” | 8-10 cm (Body)
.9-1.1 oz | 25-31 g
1-4 years
Etendeka Round-Eared Sengi
6.500
4.000
10.000
0.031
4.00
300
GUIDE
3D
Etendeka Round-Eared Sengi
3.1”-3.9” | 8-10 cm
3”-3.5” | 7.5-9 cm
7.9”-9.4” | 20-24 cm
.9-1.2 lb | 410-540 g
3-4 years
Giant Golden Mole
10.000
9.000
24.000
0.540
4.00
1820
GUIDE
3D
Giant Golden Mole
3.3”-4.3” | 8.5-11 cm
2.75”-3.7” | 7-9.5 cm
10.6”-13.8” | 27-35 cm (Body)
.88-1.72 lb | 400-780 g
3-5 years
Giant Otter Shrew
11.000
9.500
35.000
0.780
5.00
300
GUIDE
3D
Giant Otter Shrew
3.3”-5.3” | 8.5-13.5 cm
2.75”-4.3” | 7-11 cm
5.9”-9.1” | 15-23 cm (Body)
.39-.77 lb | 175-350 g
8-13 years
Greater Hedgehog Tenrec
13.500
11.000
23.000
0.350
13.00
310
GUIDE
3D
Greater Hedgehog Tenrec
6.58’-11.42’ | 2-3.5 m
3.28’-6.23’ | 1-1.9 m
8.2’-14.44’ | 2.5-4.4 m
4,409-11,023 lb | 2,000-5,500 kg
50-80 years
Indian Elephant
350.000
190.000
440.000
5500.000
80.00
61700
GUIDE
3D
Indian Elephant
2”-2.75” | 5-7 cm
1.8”-2.75” | 4.5-7 cm
5.1”-7.1” | 13-18 cm
.25-.56 lb | 113-255 g
5-19 years
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec
7.000
7.000
18.000
0.255
19.00
850
GUIDE
3D
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec
2.2”-3.1” | 5.5-8 cm
1.6”-2.4” | 4-6 cm
4.7”-6.7” | 12-17 cm
.28-.62 lb | 125-280 g
2-2.5 years
Lowland Streaked Tenrec
8.000
6.000
17.000
0.280
2.50
2550
GUIDE
3D
Lowland Streaked Tenrec
3.3”-4.1” | 8.5-10.5 cm
2.2”-2.75” | 5.5-7 cm
4.3”-5.1” | 11-13 cm (Body)
1.4-1.9 oz | 40-55 g
1-4 years
North African Elephant Shrew
10.500
7.000
13.000
0.055
4.00
100
GUIDE
3D
North African Elephant Shrew
3.1”-5.9” | 8-15 cm
2.6”-4.5” | 6.5-11.5 cm
6.7”-12.2” | 17-31 cm (Body)
.9-2.1 oz | 25-60 g
1-4 years
Somali Elephant Shrew
15.000
11.500
31.000
0.060
4.00
410
GUIDE
3D
Somali Elephant Shrew
6.3”-11.4” | 16-29 cm
4.5”-8.7” | 11.5-22 cm
12.6”-23.6” | 32-60 cm
3.7-9.9 lb | 1.7-4.5 kg
10-14 years
Southern Tree Hyrax
29.000
22.000
60.000
4.500
14.00
1850
GUIDE
3D
Southern Tree Hyrax
6.5’-7.4’ | 200-225 cm
6.5’-7.4’ | 200-225 cm
26’-30’ | 7.9-9.1 m
16,000-20,000 lb | 7,260-9,070 kg
50-80 years
Steller's Sea Cow
225.000
225.000
910.000
9070.000
80.00
4700
GUIDE
3D
Steller's Sea Cow
2.1’-2.8’ | 65-85 cm
2.8’-3.6’ | 85-110 cm
10’-13’ | 3-4 m
794-1,653 lb | 360-750 kg
20-30 years
West African Manatee
85.000
110.000
400.000
750.000
30.00
260
GUIDE
3D
West African Manatee
2.3’-3.5’ | 70-107 cm
2.8’-4.3’ | 85-130 cm
10’-14.75’ | 3-4.5 m
794-1,190 lb | 360-540 kg
25-30 years
West Indian Manatee
107.000
130.000
450.000
540.000
30.00
5200
GUIDE
3D
West Indian Manatee
8.3”-10.6” | 21-27 cm
5.9”-7.9” | 15-20 cm
17.3”-22.4” | 44-57 cm
2.2-11 lb | 1-5 kg
5-14 years
Western Tree Hyrax
27.000
20.000
57.000
5.000
14.00
1850
GUIDE
3D
Western Tree Hyrax
8.5’-11.17’ | 2.6-3.4 m
4.59’-6.23’ | 1.4-1.9 m
9.19’-12.47’ | 2.8-3.8 m
13,205-17,593 lb | 5,990-7,980 kg
60-80 years
Woolly Mammoth
340.000
190.000
380.000
7980.000
80.00
146900
GUIDE
3D
Woolly Mammoth
Steller's Sea Cow (Hydrodamalis gigas)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Steller's Sea Cow compared to other sea cows and a person

Steller’s Sea Cow, known scientifically as Hydrodamalis gigas, was a large, slow-moving, marine mammal that was hunted to extinction for its hide, meat, and blubber in the 18th century. Much of what is known about Steller’s Sea Cow is from observations made by Georg Wilhelm Steller when an sea expedition he was on shipwrecked on Bering Island giving him time to observe this creature in its natural habitat, the Bering Sea. Before modern times, the Steller’s Sea Cow is believed to have lived all across the Pacific ocean, but then had its habitat constricted due to the glacial cycle. The Steller’s Sea Cow’s only living relative is the much smaller dugong, which is considered vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN.

Steller's Sea Cows had a total length between 26’-30’ (7.9-9.1 m), body height of 6.5’-7.4’ (200-225 cm), and width of 6.5’-7.4’ (200-225 cm). The typical weight of the Steller's Sea Cow was in the range of 16,000-20,000 lb (7,260-9,070 kg). Steller's Sea Cow had lifespans between 50-80 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Steller's Sea Cow viewed from the front and side
Steller’s Sea Cow, known scientifically as Hydrodamalis gigas, was a large, slow-moving, marine mammal that was hunted to extinction for its hide, meat, and blubber in the 18th century. Much of what is known about Steller’s Sea Cow is from observations made by Georg Wilhelm Steller.

Steller's Sea Cows had a total length between 26’-30’ (7.9-9.1 m), body height of 6.5’-7.4’ (200-225 cm), and width of 6.5’-7.4’ (200-225 cm). The typical weight of the Steller's Sea Cow was in the range of 16,000-20,000 lb (7,260-9,070 kg). Steller's Sea Cow had lifespans between 50-80 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Steller's Sea Cow viewed from the front and side
Steller's Sea Cow (Hydrodamalis gigas)
Height:
6.5’-7.4’ | 200-225 cm
Width:
6.5’-7.4’ | 200-225 cm
Length:
26’-30’ | 7.9-9.1 m
Depth:
Weight:
16,000-20,000 lb | 7,260-9,070 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Hydrodamalis gigas
Lifespan
50-80 years

Drawings include:

Steller's Sea Cow side elevation, front, top

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West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
Scale illustration of an average West Indian Manatee with dimensions length compared to a human and sea cows

The West Indian Manatee, known scientifically as Trichechus manatus, is a grey and brown marine mammal with a paddle shaped tail and front flippers found in the warm salt waters between southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America. The West Indian Manatee is considered threatened by the IUCN, but has increased its recorded population numbers from 1,267 manatees in Florida in 1991 to 6,300 currently, showing that recovery plans for this species are working. The West Indian Manatee grazes on seagrass and prefers waters above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, thus confining them to warm Floridan waters in the winter. However, during the summer the manatee has been seen as far north as Massachusetts and as far west as Texas.

West Indian Manatees have a total length between 10’-14.75’ (3-4.5 m), body height of 2.3’-3.5’ (70-107 cm), and width of 2.8’-4.3’ (85-130 cm). The typical weight of the West Indian Manatee is in the range of 794-1,190 lb (360-540 kg). West Indian Manatee have lifespans between 25-30 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the West Indian Manatee seen from the side and front
The West Indian Manatee, known scientifically as Trichechus manatus, is a grey and brown marine mammal with a paddle shaped tail and front flippers found in the warm salt waters between southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America. The West Indian Manatee is considered threatened.

West Indian Manatees have a total length between 10’-14.75’ (3-4.5 m), body height of 2.3’-3.5’ (70-107 cm), and width of 2.8’-4.3’ (85-130 cm). The typical weight of the West Indian Manatee is in the range of 794-1,190 lb (360-540 kg). West Indian Manatee have lifespans between 25-30 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the West Indian Manatee seen from the side and front
West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
Height:
2.3’-3.5’ | 70-107 cm
Width:
2.8’-4.3’ | 85-130 cm
Length:
10’-14.75’ | 3-4.5 m
Depth:
Weight:
794-1,190 lb | 360-540 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Trichechus manatus
Lifespan
25-30 years

Drawings include:

West Indian Manatee side elevation, front, top

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Cape Elephant Shrew (Elephantulus edwardii)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Cape Elephant Shrew to other species of African Insectivores

A relatively common animal in South Africa is the Cape Elephant Shrew (Elephantulus edwardii) preferring rocky areas. It is insectivorous and also a good pollinator as it uses its slender tongue to feed on insects or propagate nectar lily. It is also called the Cape rock sengi or Cape rock elephant-shrew. The Cape elephant shrew is nocturnal. Other features it has are a long proboscis and tongue. Besides, it is quick because of its long hind limbs and short forelimbs. This enables it to jump from one rock or boulder to another in its natural habitat.

The Cape Elephant Shrew has a body length in the range of 8.7”-11.4” (22-29 cm) and total weight of 1.4-2.9 oz (40-83 g). The Cape Elephant Shrew has a rough standing height between 5.9”-7.7” (15-19.5 cm), body width of 4.3”-5.7” (11-14.5 cm), and tail length of 8.7”-10.2” (22-26 cm). The typical lifespan of the Cape Elephant Shrew is between 2-6 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Cape Elephant Shrew in various poses with dimensions
A relatively common animal in South Africa is the Cape Elephant Shrew (Elephantulus edwardii) preferring rocky areas. It is insectivorous and also a good pollinator as it uses its slender tongue to feed on insects or propagate nectar lily. It is also called the Cape rock sengi.

The Cape Elephant Shrew has a body length in the range of 8.7”-11.4” (22-29 cm) and total weight of 1.4-2.9 oz (40-83 g). The Cape Elephant Shrew has a rough standing height between 5.9”-7.7” (15-19.5 cm), body width of 4.3”-5.7” (11-14.5 cm), and tail length of 8.7”-10.2” (22-26 cm). The typical lifespan of the Cape Elephant Shrew is between 2-6 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Cape Elephant Shrew in various poses with dimensions
Cape Elephant Shrew (Elephantulus edwardii)
Height:
5.9”-7.7” | 15-19.5 cm
Width:
4.3”-5.7” | 11-14.5 cm
Length:
8.7”-11.4” | 22-29 cm (Body)
Depth:
Weight:
1.4-2.9 oz | 40-83 g
Area:

Tail Length: 8.7”-10.2” | 22-26 cm

Scientific Name
Elephantulus edwardii
Lifespan
2-6 years

Drawings include:

Cape Elephant Shrew side view, front

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Amazonian Manatee (Trichechus inunguis)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Amazonian Manatee to a typical person and sea cows

The Amazonian Manatee, known as Trichechus inunguis, is the smallest manatee and the only manatee that lives solely in freshwater tributaries. The Amazonian Manatee also has smoother, rubber-like skin when compared to the other, hairier manatees. The Amazonian Manatee is considered vulnerable by the IUCN as its population is believed to be decreasing due mainly to illegal hunting by local communities and natural predators, such as jaguars, sharks, and crocodiles. The Amazonian Manatee, like other manatees, grazes on sea grass for food, and similarly to the West Indian Manatee, communicates by vocalizing. The Amazonian Manatee has an average life span of 30 years.

Amazonian Manatees have a total length between 8’-10’ (2.4-3 m), body height of 1.6’-2’ (50-62 cm), and width of 2.1’-2.7’ (63-83 cm). The typical weight of the Amazonian Manatee is in the range of 573-1,058 lb (260-480 kg). Amazonian Manatee have lifespans between 15-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Amazonian Manatee in front and side poses
The Amazonian Manatee, known as Trichechus inunguis, is the smallest manatee and the only manatee that lives solely in freshwater tributaries. The Amazonian Manatee also has smoother, rubber-like skin when compared to the other, hairier manatees. The Amazonian Manatee is considered vulnerable.

Amazonian Manatees have a total length between 8’-10’ (2.4-3 m), body height of 1.6’-2’ (50-62 cm), and width of 2.1’-2.7’ (63-83 cm). The typical weight of the Amazonian Manatee is in the range of 573-1,058 lb (260-480 kg). Amazonian Manatee have lifespans between 15-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Amazonian Manatee in front and side poses
Amazonian Manatee (Trichechus inunguis)
Height:
1.6’-2’ | 50-62 cm
Width:
2.1’-2.7’ | 63-83 cm
Length:
8’-10’ | 2.4-3 m
Depth:
Weight:
573-1,058 lb | 260-480 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Trichechus inunguis
Lifespan
15-30 years

Drawings include:

Amazonian Manatee side elevation, front, top

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Giant Otter Shrew (Potamogale velox)
Scale illustration of an average Giant Otter Shrew compared to other African Insectivore species

The Giant Otter Shrew (Potamogale velox) possesses both features of a shrew and an otter. The face is flat with stiff whiskers and a muscular tail. You can find it in the aquatic environments of Central and East Africa. It is nocturnal and carnivorous, feeding mainly on aquatic animals. Its fleshy muzzle is flat and broad, while the eyes and ears are small. The giant otter shrew has a thick round body covered in coarse guard hairs, while the tail is in a silky coat of fur. The legs are short but not webbed. It is a strong swimmer and is solitary, only meeting during mating with females giving birth to young live ones.

The Giant Otter Shrew has a body length in the range of 10.6”-13.8” (27-35 cm) and total weight of .88-1.72 lb (400-780 g). The Giant Otter Shrew has a rough standing height between 3.3”-4.3” (8.5-11 cm), body width of 2.75”-3.7” (7-9.5 cm), and tail length of 9.1”-11.4” (23-29 cm). The typical lifespan of the Giant Otter Shrew is between 3-5 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Giant Otter Shrew
The Giant Otter Shrew (Potamogale velox) possesses both features of a shrew and an otter. The face is flat with stiff whiskers and a muscular tail. You can find it in the aquatic environments of Central and East Africa. It is nocturnal and carnivorous, feeding mainly on aquatic animals.

The Giant Otter Shrew has a body length in the range of 10.6”-13.8” (27-35 cm) and total weight of .88-1.72 lb (400-780 g). The Giant Otter Shrew has a rough standing height between 3.3”-4.3” (8.5-11 cm), body width of 2.75”-3.7” (7-9.5 cm), and tail length of 9.1”-11.4” (23-29 cm). The typical lifespan of the Giant Otter Shrew is between 3-5 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Giant Otter Shrew
Giant Otter Shrew (Potamogale velox)
Height:
3.3”-4.3” | 8.5-11 cm
Width:
2.75”-3.7” | 7-9.5 cm
Length:
10.6”-13.8” | 27-35 cm (Body)
Depth:
Weight:
.88-1.72 lb | 400-780 g
Area:

Tail Length: 9.1”-11.4” | 23-29 cm

Scientific Name
Potamogale velox
Lifespan
3-5 years

Drawings include:

Giant Otter Shrew side view, front

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