Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
This species inhabits moist tropical forests, grasslands, and areas near water sources in East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania. It prefers dense vegetation for cover and is often found in undergrowth or leaf litter.
Diet
MacMillan's shrew primarily eats insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, along with other small invertebrates like spiders. It forages actively at night, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey in leaf litter or soil.
Behavior
MacMillan's shrew is solitary and territorial, marking its area with scent and vocalizations to deter others. It is nocturnal, spending nights foraging rapidly due to its high metabolic rate, and it rarely interacts socially except during mating.
Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, MacMillan's shrew is classified as Least Concern with a stable population trend, though it faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion.