Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Sorex
Habitat
Inyo shrews primarily inhabit high-elevation meadows, rocky slopes, and stream banks in the western United States, especially in California and Nevada. They prefer moist, cool environments with dense vegetation and rocky cover for protection and foraging.
Diet
Inyo shrews mainly eat insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates like earthworms and centipedes. They are voracious hunters, foraging actively day and night due to their high metabolic rate, and they consume food equivalent to their body weight daily.
Behavior
Inyo shrews are solitary and territorial, defending small home ranges with scent markings. They are primarily nocturnal but may be active during the day, constantly foraging with quick, erratic movements. They do not hibernate and remain active year-round in their habitats.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Least Concern, with a stable population trend. Major threats include habitat loss from development and climate change affecting high-elevation environments.