Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
The Upemba shrew primarily inhabits moist lowland forests, grasslands, and areas near water bodies in the southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, especially around the Upemba National Park. It prefers dense vegetation and sheltered spots like leaf litter or burrows to avoid predators and maintain moisture.
Diet
The Upemba shrew feeds mainly on insects such as beetles and ants, as well as earthworms and other small invertebrates. It forages actively at night using its keen sense of smell, often in leaf litter or soil to locate prey quickly.
Behavior
The Upemba shrew is nocturnal and solitary, spending its days hidden in burrows or under vegetation to avoid detection. It is highly active while foraging, covering significant ground in search of food, and exhibits territorial behavior by marking areas with scent glands. Males may defend small territories during the breeding season.
Conservation Status
The Upemba shrew is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat loss from deforestation and human activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a decreasing population trend.