Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
The Mossy forest shrew inhabits high-elevation mossy forests in the Philippines, typically above 1,000 meters where moisture and vegetation are abundant. It prefers damp understory areas with leaf litter and rotting logs for shelter and foraging. These habitats provide the cool, humid conditions essential for its survival.
Diet
The Mossy forest shrew primarily eats insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, along with other small invertebrates. It forages actively at night using its acute sense of smell to locate prey in leaf litter and soil. Feeding behavior is opportunistic, allowing it to consume whatever is available in its microhabitat.
Behavior
The Mossy forest shrew is nocturnal and solitary, emerging at night to forage and avoiding open areas to minimize risks. It exhibits territorial behavior, marking its range with scent glands and aggressively defending small territories. These shrews are agile and quick, often darting through undergrowth to escape threats.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status of the Mossy forest shrew is Data Deficient due to limited research on its population. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and climate change in the Philippines.