Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
Jenkins' shrew inhabits moist, tropical forests and grasslands in the Western Ghats of India. It prefers areas with dense undergrowth and proximity to water sources for foraging and shelter.
Diet
Jenkins' shrew primarily feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, as well as other small invertebrates. It is nocturnal and forages actively on the ground, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey.
Behavior
Jenkins' shrew is primarily nocturnal and solitary, spending its active hours foraging for food in leaf litter and undergrowth. It exhibits territorial behavior, marking its area with scent and avoiding direct confrontations with others of its kind. This species is known for its high metabolic rate, requiring frequent feeding to sustain energy.
Conservation Status
Jenkins' shrew is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, with a declining population trend due to habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture. Major threats include fragmentation of forest habitats and potential predation by introduced species.