The chequered elephant shrew, scientifically known as Rhynchocyon cirnei, is a small mammal that belongs to the order Macroscelidea. Despite its name, this charming creature is not a shrew, but rather a distant relative of elephants. It is renowned for its unique appearance, characterized by a striking black and white chequered pattern on its body, long snout and slender legs. Measuring around 20 centimetres in length, it is primarily found in the Eastern Arc Mountains and the coastal forests of Tanzania.