Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Cryptotis
Habitat
This shrew inhabits montane forests and páramo grasslands in the eastern Andes of Colombia and Venezuela, typically at elevations between 2,000 and 3,500 meters. It prefers moist, forested areas with dense undergrowth and leaf litter for cover and foraging.
Diet
The Tamá small-eared shrew primarily eats insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, which it captures using its keen sense of smell and quick movements. It is an active forager, often hunting during the night or early morning in the undergrowth. Feeding behavior includes rapid consumption to meet its high metabolic needs.
Behavior
The Tamá small-eared shrew is primarily nocturnal and solitary, spending its time foraging alone in the undergrowth for food. It exhibits territorial behavior, marking areas with scent to deter others, and is known for its high activity levels to maintain body temperature. Despite its small size, it can be aggressive when threatened.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status of the Tamá small-eared shrew is Data Deficient due to limited research, but habitat loss from deforestation poses a potential threat. Population trends are unknown, though fragmentation of montane forests could impact its numbers.