Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Sorex
Habitat
This species prefers moist, forested areas with dense undergrowth, such as taiga and mixed woodlands in northern Asia, including Russia and Mongolia. It is often found near streams or in damp meadows, avoiding open or dry terrains.
Diet
The flat-skulled shrew primarily eats insects like beetles and ants, as well as earthworms and small invertebrates, which it hunts actively. It feeds mostly at night, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey in the undergrowth, and consumes food frequently due to its high metabolism.
Behavior
Flat-skulled shrews are solitary and territorial, marking their areas with scent and aggressively defending them from intruders. They are primarily nocturnal, spending the day in burrows or under logs, and exhibit rapid, darting movements while foraging. These shrews are highly active hunters, using echolocation-like calls to navigate and find food.
Conservation Status
The flat-skulled shrew is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population trend. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and climate change in its northern Asian range.