Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits tropical rainforests, secondary forests, and grasslands in Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand. It prefers moist, lowland areas with dense undergrowth for cover and foraging. They are often found near streams or in leaf litter on the forest floor.
Diet
The Malayan shrew feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, as well as other small invertebrates. It hunts actively at night, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey in leaf litter or soil. Feeding occurs frequently due to its high metabolic rate.
Behavior
Malayan shrews are solitary and territorial, marking their areas with scent and avoiding direct contact with others except during mating. They are primarily nocturnal, spending the day in burrows or under logs and emerging at night to forage actively. These shrews exhibit rapid movements and vocalizations when threatened.
Conservation Status
The Malayan shrew is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population trend. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture in Southeast Asia.