Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Cryptotis
Habitat
This shrew inhabits montane forests and cloud forests in Costa Rica and western Panama. It prefers cool, moist environments with dense undergrowth and leaf litter, typically at elevations between 1,000 and 2,500 meters. It avoids open areas, staying close to the forest floor.
Diet
Enders's small-eared shrew primarily consumes insects such as beetles and ants, as well as earthworms and other invertebrates. It forages actively on the ground using its sensitive snout to detect prey. Feeding is mostly nocturnal to avoid predators.
Behavior
Enders's small-eared shrew is solitary and highly territorial, marking its area with scent glands. It is primarily nocturnal, spending the day in burrows or under logs, and exhibits rapid, darting movements while foraging. This species has a high metabolic rate, requiring constant food intake.
Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, Cryptotis endersi is classified as Least Concern with a stable population trend. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture in its montane forest range.