Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
Primarily inhabits forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas on the island of Java, Indonesia. It prefers moist environments with dense undergrowth and leaf litter for cover. This species is adaptable to both natural and human-modified landscapes.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects, earthworms, and other small invertebrates like spiders and centipedes. It forages actively at night using its keen sense of smell, and its high metabolic rate requires it to eat frequently throughout the day.
Behavior
Javanese shrews are solitary and nocturnal, spending days hidden in burrows or under vegetation to avoid predators. They are territorial, marking areas with scent and defending them aggressively, and exhibit rapid, erratic movements while foraging. Despite their small size, they are highly active and vocal, producing high-pitched squeaks during interactions.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Least Concern, with a stable population trend. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion.