Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
This species inhabits moist forests, grasslands, and shrublands in Southeast Asia, including countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. It prefers areas with dense undergrowth and proximity to water sources for foraging. They are often found at elevations up to 1,500 meters in tropical and subtropical regions.
Diet
The Indochinese shrew primarily feeds on insects such as beetles and ants, as well as earthworms and other small invertebrates. It hunts actively at night using its keen sense of smell and touch. Feeding occurs frequently due to its high metabolic rate, with individuals consuming up to their body weight in food daily.
Behavior
Indochinese shrews are solitary and territorial, marking their areas with scent and defending them aggressively. They are primarily nocturnal, spending the day in burrows or under leaf litter, and exhibit rapid, darting movements while foraging. These shrews have a high metabolic rate, leading to constant activity and vocalizations like high-pitched squeaks.
Conservation Status
The Indochinese shrew is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population trend. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion.