Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
This shrew inhabits montane and submontane forests on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, preferring areas with dense undergrowth and leaf litter. It is typically found at elevations between 1,000 and 2,500 meters, avoiding open or disturbed areas.
Diet
The Sulawesi white-handed shrew primarily feeds on insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, as well as other small invertebrates. It forages actively at night, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey in the leaf litter and soil. Feeding occurs opportunistically throughout the night.
Behavior
This shrew is solitary and primarily nocturnal, spending its days hidden in burrows or under logs and emerging at night to forage. It exhibits territorial behavior, marking its area with scent and avoiding direct confrontations with others. In the wild, it is agile and quick, using rapid movements to evade threats.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Data Deficient due to limited research, but habitat loss from deforestation is a potential threat. Population trends are unknown, making conservation efforts challenging.