Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits tropical rainforests and moist savannas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It prefers areas with dense undergrowth and leaf litter for cover, often near streams or wetlands. They are adapted to lowland terrains up to about 1,000 meters elevation.
Diet
The Congo white-toothed shrew mainly eats insects such as beetles, ants, and termites, as well as earthworms and other small invertebrates. It forages actively at night using its keen sense of smell, capturing prey with quick, darting movements. Feeding sessions are frequent due to its high metabolic rate.
Behavior
Congo white-toothed shrews are solitary and nocturnal, spending daylight hours hidden in burrows or under logs to avoid predators. They are highly territorial, marking their areas with scent glands and engaging in aggressive chases if intruders approach. These shrews exhibit rapid, energetic movements while foraging and communicate through high-pitched vocalizations.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status of the Congo white-toothed shrew is Data Deficient due to limited research and data. Major threats include habitat destruction from deforestation and potential impacts from climate change.