Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
This species is endemic to São Tomé Island in the Gulf of Guinea, inhabiting primary and secondary tropical forests. It prefers moist, lowland areas with dense undergrowth and leaf litter. These environments provide cover and abundant food sources.
Diet
The Sao Tomé shrew primarily eats insects, earthworms, and other small invertebrates. It forages actively at night, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey in the leaf litter. Feeding occurs opportunistically throughout the night to meet its high metabolic needs.
Behavior
Sao Tomé shrews are solitary and nocturnal, spending days hidden in burrows or under logs and emerging at night to forage. They exhibit territorial behavior, marking areas with scent glands, and are known for their rapid, darting movements. These shrews are highly active and vocal, producing high-pitched sounds to communicate.
Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List classifies the Sao Tomé shrew as Vulnerable due to habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture. Population trends are decreasing, with major threats including invasive species and climate change.