Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
This shrew primarily inhabits grasslands, forests, and shrublands in East Asia, including parts of China, Korea, and Russia. It prefers areas with dense vegetation and moist soil for burrowing, often near streams or agricultural fields.
Diet
The Asian lesser white-toothed shrew mainly eats insects such as beetles and ants, along with earthworms and other small invertebrates. It forages actively at night using its acute sense of smell, consuming food frequently due to its high metabolic rate.
Behavior
These shrews are solitary and territorial, defending small home ranges with scent markings. They are primarily nocturnal, spending days in burrows or under debris, and exhibit rapid, darting movements while foraging. They have a high activity level and vocalize with high-pitched sounds to communicate.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the Asian lesser white-toothed shrew as Least Concern, with a stable population trend. Major threats include habitat loss from urbanization and agriculture.