Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
Crosse's shrew primarily inhabits tropical forests and moist savannas in West and Central Africa, such as in Cameroon and Nigeria. It prefers areas with dense undergrowth and leaf litter for cover, often near streams or in humid environments. This species avoids open grasslands and arid regions.
Diet
Crosse's shrew feeds mainly on insects like beetles and ants, as well as earthworms and other small invertebrates. It is an opportunistic hunter, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey, and typically forages at night. Feeding occurs frequently due to its high metabolic rate.
Behavior
Crosse's shrew is primarily nocturnal and solitary, spending its active hours foraging for food in leaf litter and undergrowth. It exhibits territorial behavior, marking its area with scent and avoiding direct confrontations with others of its kind. This species has a high activity level, constantly moving to meet its energy needs, and it rarely interacts socially except during mating.
Conservation Status
Crosse's shrew is classified as Data Deficient by the IUCN, with limited data on population trends due to its elusive nature. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion in its range.