Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
This species inhabits sub-Saharan Africa, primarily in moist forests, savannas, and grasslands with dense vegetation. It prefers areas near water sources like rivers or wetlands, avoiding arid regions. They are adaptable to both lowland and montane environments up to about 2,000 meters elevation.
Diet
The Lesser gray-brown musk shrew primarily eats insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, along with other small invertebrates. It forages actively at night using its acute sense of smell, consuming food frequently due to its high metabolic rate. Feeding occurs in short, intense bouts to meet energy needs.
Behavior
These shrews are solitary and nocturnal, spending the day in burrows or under logs and emerging at night to forage. They exhibit territorial behavior, marking areas with scent glands, and are highly active with quick, darting movements. Despite their small size, they can be aggressive when defending territory or food sources.
Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List classifies Crocidura silacea as Least Concern, with a stable population trend due to its wide distribution. Major threats include habitat destruction from agriculture and urbanization, though it is not currently facing significant decline.