Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits montane forests in Nigeria, favoring moist, leaf-littered areas at elevations above 1,000 meters. It prefers dense undergrowth and is rarely found in open or degraded habitats.
Diet
The Cinderella shrew feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, which it hunts in the leaf litter. It is an active forager, primarily at night, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey.
Behavior
The Cinderella shrew is solitary and territorial, marking its area with scent glands and avoiding direct confrontations. It is strictly nocturnal, spending the day in burrows or under logs, and communicates through high-pitched vocalizations. This species exhibits rapid movements when foraging, helping it evade threats.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status of the Cinderella shrew is Critically Endangered, with populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture. Major threats include fragmentation of montane forests in Nigeria.