Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Chodsigoa
Habitat
This species inhabits high-altitude montane forests and alpine meadows in western China, typically at elevations above 3000 meters. It prefers rocky areas with dense undergrowth for cover and foraging.
Diet
De Winton's shrew primarily eats insects, earthworms, and other invertebrates, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey. It is active at night and forages on the ground or in leaf litter, consuming multiple small meals throughout its active period.
Behavior
De Winton's shrew is solitary and nocturnal, spending the day in burrows or under rocks to avoid predators. It exhibits territorial behavior, marking its range with scent and aggressively defending it from others. This species is highly active, with quick movements and a high metabolic rate requiring constant feeding.
Conservation Status
De Winton's shrew is classified as Data Deficient by the IUCN, due to limited data on its population trends. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and climate change in its high-altitude range.