Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Chodsigoa
Habitat
This shrew primarily inhabits montane forests and grasslands in Taiwan, favoring elevations between 1,000 and 3,000 meters where there is dense undergrowth and leaf litter. It prefers moist, cool environments with plenty of cover from rocks and logs. These areas provide protection from predators and access to food sources.
Diet
The Lesser Taiwanese shrew mainly feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, which it hunts using its acute sense of smell. It forages actively at night, often in leaf litter or under rocks, to catch small invertebrates. Occasionally, it may consume spiders or small snails to supplement its diet.
Behavior
The Lesser Taiwanese shrew is solitary and territorial, marking its home range with scent to deter intruders. It is primarily nocturnal, emerging at night to forage actively with quick, darting movements. These shrews have high metabolic rates, requiring them to eat frequently, and they often create shallow burrows or use natural cover for resting. During encounters, they may exhibit aggressive vocalizations to defend their territory.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the Lesser Taiwanese shrew as Vulnerable due to ongoing habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture. Population trends are decreasing, with major threats including climate change and habitat fragmentation.