Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Eulipotyphla
- Family
- Soricidae
- Genus
- Crocidura
Habitat
This species inhabits moist forests, savannas, and grasslands in West Africa, including countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. It prefers areas with dense undergrowth, leaf litter, and proximity to water sources for cover and food. They are adaptable but avoid arid regions.
Diet
The West African pygmy shrew primarily eats insects such as beetles, ants, and spiders, along with earthworms and other small invertebrates. It forages actively at night using its keen sense of smell, consuming food frequently due to its high metabolic rate. Feeding bouts are short and intense to maintain energy levels.
Behavior
West African pygmy shrews are solitary and territorial, marking their areas with scent and avoiding direct contact with others except during mating. They are primarily nocturnal, spending the day in burrows or hidden nests, and exhibit rapid, darting movements while foraging. Their high activity levels help them evade predators and locate food quickly.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Least Concern, with a stable population trend due to its wide distribution. Major threats include habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion.