Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
The Mamfe shrew inhabits lowland forests and moist savannas in West Africa, particularly in Cameroon and Nigeria. It prefers areas with dense undergrowth and proximity to water sources for foraging. These environments provide cover from predators and ample food sources.
Diet
The Mamfe shrew primarily feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, as well as small invertebrates like spiders and centipedes. It forages actively at night using its keen sense of smell to locate prey. Feeding occurs frequently due to its high metabolic rate, requiring it to eat almost constantly.
Behavior
The Mamfe shrew is primarily nocturnal, spending its days hidden in leaf litter or burrows to avoid predators. It is solitary and territorial, marking its area with scent and aggressively defending it from others of its species. Notable behaviors include rapid, darting movements while foraging and a high-pitched vocalization used for communication.
Conservation Status
The Mamfe shrew is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population trend due to its wide distribution. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion in West Africa.