Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
This shrew inhabits grasslands, savannas, and rocky outcrops in South Africa, particularly in the Northern Cape province. It prefers areas with dense vegetation for cover and is often found in moist environments near streams or after rains.
Diet
The Makwassie musk shrew primarily feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, and termites, as well as earthworms and other small invertebrates. It is nocturnal and forages actively on the ground using its keen sense of smell to locate prey.
Behavior
Makwassie musk shrews are solitary and territorial, marking their areas with scent to deter others. They are primarily nocturnal, spending the day hidden in burrows or under rocks, and exhibit high activity levels due to their fast metabolism, often seen darting quickly in search of food.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status of the Makwassie musk shrew is Least Concern, with a stable population trend, though threats include habitat loss from agriculture and urbanization.