New species of desert shrew is more elephant than mouse

The DNA of a long-nosed desert shrew newly discovered in Namibia reveals it as more closely related to elephants than mice.

The new species of elephant shrew, given the scientific name Macroscelides micus, inhabits an ancient volcanic formation in Namibia and sports fur that helps it blend in with the colour of its rocky surroundings, said John Dumbacher, a member of a team of biologists behind the discovery.