Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Cryptotis
Habitat
This shrew inhabits high-altitude montane forests and páramo grasslands in the Andes of Colombia, typically at elevations between 2,000 and 3,500 meters. It prefers moist, forested areas with dense undergrowth for cover and foraging.
Diet
The Colombian small-eared shrew primarily feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, which it hunts actively in leaf litter and soil. It is nocturnal and forages frequently to meet its high metabolic needs, consuming food equivalent to its body weight daily.
Behavior
This shrew is solitary and territorial, marking its area with scent and avoiding others except during mating. It is primarily nocturnal, spending the day in burrows or under logs, and exhibits rapid, darting movements while foraging. Vocalizations are rare but may include high-pitched squeaks for communication.
Conservation Status
The IUCN has not assessed the Colombian small-eared shrew, but habitat loss from deforestation poses a potential threat; population trends are unknown due to limited data.