Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
Jackson's shrew inhabits moist forests, grasslands, and savannas in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It prefers areas with dense vegetation and proximity to water sources for cover and food. These shrews are often found at elevations up to 2,000 meters in regions with moderate rainfall.
Diet
Jackson's shrew primarily feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, and termites, as well as earthworms and spiders. It is an active forager, hunting mostly at night using its keen sense of smell. Feeding occurs frequently due to its high metabolism, with individuals consuming up to their body weight in food daily.
Behavior
Jackson's shrew is solitary and territorial, marking its area with scent and aggressively defending it from others. It is primarily nocturnal, spending the day in burrows or under logs and emerging at night to forage. These shrews are highly active hunters, moving quickly and using echolocation-like calls to navigate and locate prey.
Conservation Status
Jackson's shrew is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population trend due to its wide distribution. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture, but it is not currently facing significant declines.