Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Sorex
Habitat
This shrew inhabits moist highland forests and shrublands on San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos archipelago, preferring areas with dense undergrowth, rocks, and leaf litter for cover. It is adapted to subtropical or temperate climates in these isolated volcanic terrains.
Diet
The San Cristobal shrew primarily feeds on insects, earthworms, and other small invertebrates, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey. It is an active forager, often hunting at night or during twilight hours to avoid predators, and consumes food frequently due to its high metabolic rate.
Behavior
The San Cristobal shrew is primarily nocturnal and solitary, spending its active time foraging in undergrowth and creating shallow burrows for shelter. It exhibits territorial behavior, marking areas with scent and avoiding direct interactions with others of its species. This species has a high activity level, constantly moving to meet its energy needs.
Conservation Status
The IUCN lists the San Cristobal shrew as Vulnerable due to habitat loss from invasive species and human activities, with a decreasing population trend.