Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
This species inhabits montane and mossy forests on Mindanao Island in the Philippines, often at elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 meters. It prefers moist, forested areas with dense undergrowth and leaf litter for cover.
Diet
The Mindanao shrew primarily feeds on insects such as beetles and ants, as well as earthworms and other small invertebrates. It is an active forager, hunting mostly at night using its keen sense of smell, and consumes food frequently due to its high metabolic rate.
Behavior
Mindanao shrews are solitary and nocturnal, spending their days hidden in leaf litter or burrows and emerging at night to forage. They exhibit territorial behavior, marking areas with scent glands, and are known for their rapid movements and high activity levels to maintain body heat.
Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List classifies the Mindanao shrew as Data Deficient due to limited research, with potential threats including habitat loss from deforestation. Population trends are unknown, but habitat fragmentation in the Philippines could pose risks.