Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
The Kivu shrew primarily inhabits montane forests and grasslands in the Albertine Rift region of Central Africa, including areas in Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It prefers moist, dense undergrowth at elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 meters, where it can find shelter and prey.
Diet
The Kivu shrew feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, as well as other small invertebrates like spiders. It is an active forager, hunting at night in leaf litter and undergrowth, and consumes a large amount of food relative to its size due to its high metabolic rate.
Behavior
Kivu shrews are solitary and territorial animals, marking their areas with scent to deter rivals. They are primarily nocturnal, spending days hidden in burrows or under logs, and exhibit rapid, darting movements while foraging. These shrews are highly active and vocal, using high-pitched calls for communication.
Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List classifies the Kivu shrew as Data Deficient due to insufficient data on its population size and trends. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion in the Albertine Rift region.