Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits forests, grasslands, and shrublands in East Asia, including Japan, Korea, and parts of China. It prefers moist environments near streams or in undergrowth for cover and foraging.
Diet
The Long-footed shrew feeds mainly on insects such as beetles and ants, earthworms, and other small invertebrates. It is an active nocturnal forager, using its keen sense of smell to hunt prey on the ground or in leaf litter.
Behavior
Long-footed shrews are solitary and highly territorial, marking their areas with scent and aggressively defending them from intruders. They are primarily nocturnal, spending the day in burrows or under logs, and exhibit rapid, darting movements while foraging. Their high metabolic rate drives them to eat frequently, making them active hunters throughout the night.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status of the Long-footed shrew is Least Concern, with a stable population trend due to its wide distribution. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and urbanization in East Asia.