Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Cryptotis
Habitat
This shrew inhabits moist forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas in Central America, particularly in elevations from 500 to 2000 meters. It prefers regions with dense undergrowth for cover and is commonly found in Costa Rica, Panama, and southern Mexico. These areas provide ample moisture and insect prey.
Diet
Thomas' small-eared shrew primarily eats insects such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, along with other small invertebrates. It forages actively at night using its keen sense of smell, consuming food frequently due to its high metabolic rate. Feeding occurs in leaf litter or soil, where it probes for prey.
Behavior
Thomas' small-eared shrew is solitary and nocturnal, spending its active hours foraging for food in undergrowth. It exhibits territorial behavior, marking areas with scent and avoiding direct confrontations. Despite its small size, it is highly energetic and vocal, producing high-pitched squeaks during interactions.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies Thomas' small-eared shrew as Least Concern, with a stable population trend. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion in Central America.