Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Chodsigoa
Habitat
Smith's shrew inhabits montane forests and shrublands in southwestern China and northern Myanmar. They prefer cool, moist environments with dense undergrowth and rocky areas for burrowing. This species is often found at elevations between 2,000 and 3,500 meters.
Diet
Smith's shrew primarily eats insects such as beetles and ants, along with earthworms and other invertebrates. They forage actively day and night, using their keen sense of smell to locate prey in leaf litter and soil. Their high metabolism requires them to consume food equivalent to their body weight daily.
Behavior
Smith's shrew is solitary and territorial, marking its area with scent and aggressively defending it from intruders. They are primarily nocturnal, spending the day in burrows or under logs, and exhibit rapid, darting movements while foraging. This species has a high metabolic rate, leading to constant activity and quick responses to threats.
Conservation Status
Smith's shrew is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population trend. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion.