Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits moist forests, grasslands, and shrublands in Southeast Asia, including regions of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It prefers areas with dense undergrowth and proximity to water sources for foraging. They are adaptable to both lowland and montane terrains up to about 1,500 meters elevation.
Diet
The pale gray shrew mainly feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, along with other small invertebrates like spiders and snails. It hunts actively day and night, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey, and consumes food frequently due to its high metabolic rate. Feeding behavior includes short, rapid forays from cover to capture prey.
Behavior
Pale gray shrews are solitary and territorial, marking their areas with scent and aggressively defending them from intruders. They are primarily nocturnal, emerging at dusk to forage with quick, darting movements, and spend the day in burrows or under logs. Notable behaviors include a high-pitched squeak for communication and the ability to enter torpor to conserve energy during food shortages.
Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List classifies the pale gray shrew as Least Concern, with a stable population trend due to its wide distribution. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion in Southeast Asia.