Afrotheres | Afrotheria

Afrotheria refers to a superorder of mammals thought to have common ancestors that have roots in Africa or living in Africa. The animals are usually insectivorous and share little resemblance other than their genetics. Many of the Afrotheres live on land, but there are also others like sea cows that inhabit water bodies. Afrotheres are characterized by late permanent dental eruption, unusually long mobile snout, small body size, and unspecialized limbs. Many Afrotheres are already extinct and the existing ones are threatened by human activity which destroys their habitat. All in all, they fulfill the role left by other ant-eating mammals and large herbivores.

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.

Afrotheres Guides
Browse through our curated Afrotheres Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Afrotheres. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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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
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec (Echinops telfairi)
Scale illustration of an average Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec compared to other African Insectivore species

The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec (Echinops telfairi) has a profile of a hedgehog. However, it is still small, stout, with a short tail and prominent ears. Its limbs and muzzles are of moderate length. It is mostly found in tropical dry forests, dry shrublands, and dry savannas of Madagascar. The lesser hedgehog tenrec is terrestrial and may feed on insects or small invertebrates. Besides, it is a solitary animal. Its hair is modified into black and white spines to act as protection from predators, while its belly and paws have fine hairs. These nocturnal animals have poor eyesight, but with a well-developed sense of smell and hearing and sensitive whiskers.

The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec has a body length in the range of 5.1”-7.1” (13-18 cm) and total weight of .25-.56 lb (113-255 g). The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec has a rough standing height between 2”-2.75” (5-7 cm) and body width of 1.8”-2.75” (4.5-7 cm). The typical lifespan of the Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec is between 5-19 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec
The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec (Echinops telfairi) has a profile of a hedgehog. However, it is still small, stout, with a short tail and prominent ears. Its limbs and muzzles are of moderate length. It is mostly found in tropical dry forests, dry shrublands, and dry savannas of Madagascar.

The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec has a body length in the range of 5.1”-7.1” (13-18 cm) and total weight of .25-.56 lb (113-255 g). The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec has a rough standing height between 2”-2.75” (5-7 cm) and body width of 1.8”-2.75” (4.5-7 cm). The typical lifespan of the Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec is between 5-19 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec (Echinops telfairi)
Height:
2”-2.75” | 5-7 cm
Width:
1.8”-2.75” | 4.5-7 cm
Length:
5.1”-7.1” | 13-18 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.25-.56 lb | 113-255 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Echinops telfairi
Lifespan
5-19 years

Drawings include:

Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec side view, front

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Giant Golden Mole (Chrysospalax trevelyani)
Comparison drawing of the Giant Golden Mole compared to other African Insectivores

Among the largest golden mole found in Africa, specifically, South Africa is the Giant Golden Mole (Chrysospalax trevelyani). The small mammal is easy to identify because of the lack of external ears and tail, eyes covered by skin or hair, wedged-shaped head, a leather pad, powerful limbs, and large claws. It also has longer and coarser hair compared to other golden moles and an underfur that is dense and wooly. Since it is blind and deaf, it is rarely seen and it is mostly solitary, nocturnal, and eats soil invertebrates. It prefers Afro-montane forests or grasslands with well-developed undergrowth, soft soil, or deep litter layer.

The Giant Golden Mole has a body length in the range of 7.9”-9.4” (20-24 cm) and total weight of .9-1.2 lb (410-540 g). The Giant Golden Mole has a rough standing height between 3.1”-3.9” (8-10 cm) and body width of 3”-3.5” (7.5-9 cm). The typical lifespan of the Giant Golden Mole is between 3-4 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Giant Golden Mole
Among the largest golden mole found in Africa, specifically, South Africa is the Giant Golden Mole (Chrysospalax trevelyani). The small mammal is easy to identify because of the lack of external ears and tail, eyes covered by skin or hair, wedged-shaped head, leather pad, powerful limbs, and claws.

The Giant Golden Mole has a body length in the range of 7.9”-9.4” (20-24 cm) and total weight of .9-1.2 lb (410-540 g). The Giant Golden Mole has a rough standing height between 3.1”-3.9” (8-10 cm) and body width of 3”-3.5” (7.5-9 cm). The typical lifespan of the Giant Golden Mole is between 3-4 years.

Set of scaled side and front drawings of the Giant Golden Mole
Giant Golden Mole (Chrysospalax trevelyani)
Height:
3.1”-3.9” | 8-10 cm
Width:
3”-3.5” | 7.5-9 cm
Length:
7.9”-9.4” | 20-24 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.9-1.2 lb | 410-540 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Chrysospalax trevelyani
Lifespan
3-4 years

Drawings include:

Giant Golden Mole side view, front

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Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Woolly Mammoth to a typical person and other elephants

The Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) is an extinct mammoth species that lived during the Pleistocene period up to its extinction at the beginning of the Holocene. The nearest relative is the Asian elephant. The wooly mammoth had been well adapted during the last ice age to the cold climate. It was coated with fur, with long guard hair on the external surface and a shorter base. The coat's color ranged between light and dark brown and the ears and tail were short to keep freezes and heat loss to a minimum. It had long and curved tusks for defense but also used for gathering herbs along with their trunks.

Woolly Mammoths had a typical shoulder height between 8.5’-11.17’ (2.6-3.4 m), body length of 9.19’-12.47’ (2.8-3.8 m), and width of 4.59’-6.23’ (1.4-1.9 m). The typical weight of the Woolly Mammoth was in the range of 13,205-17,593 lb (5,990-7,980 kg). Woolly Mammoths had lifespans between 60-80 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Woolly Mammoth in front and side poses
The Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) is an extinct mammoth species that lived during the Pleistocene period up to its extinction at the beginning of the Holocene. The nearest relative is the Asian elephant. The wooly mammoth had been well adapted during the last ice age to the cold climate.

Woolly Mammoths had a typical shoulder height between 8.5’-11.17’ (2.6-3.4 m), body length of 9.19’-12.47’ (2.8-3.8 m), and width of 4.59’-6.23’ (1.4-1.9 m). The typical weight of the Woolly Mammoth was in the range of 13,205-17,593 lb (5,990-7,980 kg). Woolly Mammoths had lifespans between 60-80 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Woolly Mammoth in front and side poses
Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius)
Height:
8.5’-11.17’ | 2.6-3.4 m
Width:
4.59’-6.23’ | 1.4-1.9 m
Length:
9.19’-12.47’ | 2.8-3.8 m
Depth:
Weight:
13,205-17,593 lb | 5,990-7,980 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Mammuthus primigenius
Lifespan
60-80 years

Drawings include:

Woolly Mammoth side elevation, front

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Western Tree Hyrax (Dendrohyrax dorsalis)
Scale illustration of an average Western Tree Hyrax compared to other species of Hyrax

The Western Tree Hyrax (Dendrohyrax dorsalis) is endemic to west and central Africa, preferring woodland areas, savanna, and tropical rainforests. Other people call it the Beecroft's tree hyrax or western tree dassie. It looks like a rodent with short, coarse fur. Its rostrum lacks hair and beneath the chin is a white patch of fur. The tail is stumpy and the fur can be dark brown, black, or cream with scattered yellow hairs. Besides, it has small, rounded ears and a fur-free snout. It is solitary, arboreal, and nocturnal, and passes information via loud vocal calls. It is mainly herbivore and constantly hunted for its fur, which is highly valued.

Western Tree Hyraxes have a total body length between 17.3”-22.4” (44-57 cm), standing height of roughly 8.3”-10.6” | 21-27 cm, and body width of 5.9”-7.9” (15-20 cm). The typical weight of the Western Tree Hyrax is in the range of 2.2-11 lb (1-5 kg). Western Tree Hyraxes have lifespans between 5-14 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Western Tree Hyrax viewed from the front and side
The Western Tree Hyrax (Dendrohyrax dorsalis) is endemic to west and central Africa, preferring woodland areas, savanna, and tropical rainforests. Other people call it the Beecroft's tree hyrax or western tree dassie. It looks like a rodent with short, coarse fur.

Western Tree Hyraxes have a total body length between 17.3”-22.4” (44-57 cm), standing height of roughly 8.3”-10.6” | 21-27 cm, and body width of 5.9”-7.9” (15-20 cm). The typical weight of the Western Tree Hyrax is in the range of 2.2-11 lb (1-5 kg). Western Tree Hyraxes have lifespans between 5-14 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Western Tree Hyrax viewed from the front and side
Western Tree Hyrax (Dendrohyrax dorsalis)
Height:
8.3”-10.6” | 21-27 cm
Width:
5.9”-7.9” | 15-20 cm
Length:
17.3”-22.4” | 44-57 cm
Depth:
Weight:
2.2-11 lb | 1-5 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Dendrohyrax dorsalis
Lifespan
5-14 years

Drawings include:

Western Tree Hyrax side elevation, front

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Dugong (Dugong dugon)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Dugong to a typical person and sea cows

The Dugong, known scientifically as Dugong dugon, is a marine mammal that is part of the order Sirenia, which includes three other types of manatees. Due to anthropogenic causes, the Dugong is considered a vulnerable species by the IUCN and is the last remaining member of the Dugongidae family. The Dugong’s most recent relative was the Steller’s sea cow, which was declared extinct in the 18th century. The Dugong can be found throughout the waters of the Indo-Pacific ocean grazing on seagrass. The Dugong, similar in body shape to other manatees, has no dorsal fins or hind limbs and has paddle shaped flippers; however, the Dugong has a fluked tail, which is more similar to a dolphin.

Dugongs have a total length between 8’-13’ (2.4-4 m), body height of 1.9’-3.1’ (58-95 cm), and width of 3’-5’ (93-153 cm). The typical weight of the Dugong is in the range of 507-838 lb (230-380 kg). Dugong have lifespans between 50-70 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Dugong in front and side poses
The Dugong, known scientifically as Dugong dugon, is a marine mammal that is part of the order Sirenia, which includes three other types of manatees. Due to anthropogenic causes, the Dugong is considered a vulnerable species by the IUCN and is the last remaining member of the Dugongidae family.

Dugongs have a total length between 8’-13’ (2.4-4 m), body height of 1.9’-3.1’ (58-95 cm), and width of 3’-5’ (93-153 cm). The typical weight of the Dugong is in the range of 507-838 lb (230-380 kg). Dugong have lifespans between 50-70 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Dugong in front and side poses
Dugong (Dugong dugon)
Height:
1.9’-3.1’ | 58-95 cm
Width:
3’-5’ | 93-153 cm
Length:
8’-13’ | 2.4-4 m
Depth:
Weight:
507-838 lb | 230-380 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Dugong dugon
Lifespan
50-70 years

Drawings include:

Dugong side elevation, front, top

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