Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Paracrocidura
Habitat
This species inhabits montane forests and moist grasslands in East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania, often near streams or in areas with dense vegetation for cover. It prefers elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 meters where the climate is cool and humid.
Diet
The Greater large-headed shrew primarily eats insects such as beetles and ants, along with earthworms and other small invertebrates. It forages actively both day and night, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey in leaf litter and soil.
Behavior
This shrew is solitary and territorial, marking its area with scent and aggressively defending it from intruders. It is active both day and night, with a high metabolic rate that drives constant foraging; it does not hibernate and may make high-pitched vocalizations when threatened.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Data Deficient due to limited research and data on population size. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and potential impacts from climate change, though the population trend is unknown.