Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
This species inhabits moist forests, savannas, and grasslands in West Africa, particularly in areas with dense undergrowth and near water sources. They prefer regions with leaf litter and vegetation cover for foraging and shelter.
Diet
Doucet's musk shrew primarily eats insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, along with occasional small invertebrates. They are active hunters that forage at night, using their keen sense of smell to locate prey in leaf litter and soil.
Behavior
Doucet's musk shrew is solitary and nocturnal, spending the day in burrows or under logs and emerging at night to hunt. They exhibit territorial behavior, marking areas with scent and being aggressive towards intruders, with a high metabolic rate requiring constant feeding. Their movements are quick and erratic, helping them evade predators.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Least Concern, with a stable population trend, though habitat destruction from deforestation poses a potential threat.