Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
MacArthur's shrew primarily inhabits montane forests and moist grasslands in East Africa, especially in Kenya and Tanzania. It prefers areas with dense vegetation and proximity to streams or wetlands, typically at elevations between 1,000 and 3,000 meters.
Diet
MacArthur's shrew feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, as well as small spiders and other invertebrates. It is nocturnal and forages actively on the ground, using its acute sense of smell to locate prey quickly. Feeding occurs frequently due to its high metabolic rate.
Behavior
MacArthur's shrew is solitary and territorial, defending small areas with scent markings and avoiding social interactions. It is primarily nocturnal, spending days hidden in burrows or under logs, and exhibits rapid, erratic movements when foraging. They have a high activity level to meet their energy needs.
Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, MacArthur's shrew is classified as Least Concern with a stable population trend. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion.