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Ugandan lowland shrew

Crocidura selina

MammalThe IUCN status of the…

Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammal
Order
Eulipotyphla
Family
Soricidae
Genus
Crocidura

Habitat

This species primarily inhabits lowland forests, grasslands, and moist savannas in Uganda and possibly adjacent East African regions. It prefers areas with dense undergrowth and proximity to water sources for cover and foraging.

Diet

The Ugandan lowland shrew feeds mainly on insects such as beetles and ants, earthworms, and other small invertebrates. It is a nocturnal forager, actively hunting on the ground with a high metabolic rate requiring frequent feeding.

Behavior

The Ugandan lowland shrew is solitary and territorial, marking its area with scent and avoiding others of its kind except during mating. It is primarily nocturnal, using quick, darting movements to forage and exhibiting high activity levels due to its rapid metabolism.

Conservation Status

The IUCN status of the Ugandan lowland shrew is Data Deficient due to limited research, with potential threats from habitat loss due to agriculture and urbanization, and no clear population trend established.