Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Cryptotis
Habitat
This shrew inhabits highland areas in the Andes of Venezuela, primarily in moist forests, páramo grasslands, and shrublands at elevations between 2000-3000 meters. It prefers areas with dense vegetation and ample ground cover for foraging and hiding. These habitats provide the cool, humid conditions essential for its survival.
Diet
The Merida small-eared shrew primarily eats insects such as beetles, ants, and spiders, along with earthworms and other small invertebrates. It forages actively in leaf litter and soil, using its sensitive snout to detect prey. Feeding occurs mainly at night due to its nocturnal habits.
Behavior
The Merida small-eared shrew is solitary and territorial, marking its area with scent and avoiding others of its kind except during mating. It is primarily nocturnal, spending the day in burrows or under logs, and exhibits high activity levels to meet its rapid metabolic needs. This species is an agile forager, darting quickly through undergrowth to capture prey.
Conservation Status
The IUCN has not assessed the Merida small-eared shrew, but it is potentially at risk due to habitat loss from deforestation in the Venezuelan Andes. Population trends are unknown, with major threats including agricultural expansion and climate change.