Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
Therese's shrew inhabits tropical forests, savannas, and moist grasslands in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and adjacent regions. It prefers areas with dense undergrowth and leaf litter for cover and foraging.
Diet
Therese's shrew primarily eats insects such as beetles, ants, and termites, along with spiders and other small invertebrates. It forages actively at night, using its keen sense of smell to locate prey in leaf litter and soil.
Behavior
Therese's shrew is solitary and nocturnal, spending its active hours foraging for food in undergrowth while avoiding open areas. It exhibits territorial behavior, marking its range with scent and vocalizations, and is known for its high metabolic rate, requiring constant feeding.
Conservation Status
Therese's shrew is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, but its population may be declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture in West Africa.