Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Cryptotis
Habitat
This shrew inhabits moist montane forests and grasslands in Central America, primarily at elevations between 1,000 and 3,000 meters in countries like Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. It prefers areas with dense undergrowth, leaf litter, and moist soil for burrowing and foraging.
Diet
Goodwin's broad-clawed shrew primarily eats insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, along with other small invertebrates like spiders. It forages actively at night, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey in leaf litter and soil.
Behavior
This shrew is solitary and highly territorial, marking its range with scent and aggressively defending it from others. It is nocturnal, spending the day in burrows and emerging at night to forage actively. Notable behaviors include rapid movements and a high metabolic rate, requiring constant feeding.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies Goodwin's broad-clawed shrew as Least Concern, though populations may be declining due to habitat loss from deforestation. Major threats include agricultural expansion and climate change in its Central American range.