Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
The Manenguba shrew is endemic to the montane forests of Mount Manenguba in southwestern Cameroon. It prefers high-elevation areas between 1,500 and 2,400 meters, with dense undergrowth, moist soil, and abundant leaf litter.
Diet
The Manenguba shrew primarily feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, as well as other small invertebrates. It forages actively at night using its keen sense of smell, and it consumes food frequently due to its high metabolic rate.
Behavior
Manenguba shrews are solitary and territorial, marking their areas with scent to defend against intruders. They are primarily nocturnal, spending the day hidden in burrows or under logs, and they exhibit rapid, darting movements when foraging. These shrews have a high metabolic rate, requiring them to eat almost constantly.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the Manenguba shrew as Endangered due to habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture. Population trends are decreasing, with ongoing threats from human activities in its limited range.