Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Sorex
Habitat
The Arizona shrew inhabits moist, forested areas in the mountains of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, preferring habitats with dense undergrowth, leaf litter, and proximity to streams or springs. It is typically found at elevations between 1,500 and 2,500 meters in coniferous forests and mixed woodlands.
Diet
The Arizona shrew primarily eats insects such as beetles, ants, and spiders, as well as earthworms and other small invertebrates. It forages actively both day and night, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey in leaf litter and soil, and consumes food frequently due to its high metabolic rate.
Behavior
The Arizona shrew is solitary and territorial, marking its home range with scent and aggressively defending it from others of its species. It is primarily nocturnal, spending the day in burrows or under logs, and exhibits rapid, darting movements while foraging; it has a high energy level and must eat almost constantly to maintain its body temperature.
Conservation Status
The Arizona shrew is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population trend, though habitat loss from logging and development poses potential threats.