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Andaman shrew
Species of mammal endemic to India From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Andaman shrew (Crocidura andamanensis), also known as the Andaman white-toothed shrew, is a critically endangered species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is endemic to South Andaman Island in the Andaman Islands of India.[2]
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Taxonomy
The species was first described by American zoologist Gerrit S. Miller Jr. in 1902. It belongs to the genus Crocidura, which comprises white-toothed shrews found across Africa, Europe, and Asia. The holotype was collected at MacPherson Strait, South Andaman Island, and a second specimen was recorded in Mount Harriet National Park in 1997.[3]
Description
The Andaman shrew is a small, insectivorous mammal with a pointed snout, tiny eyes, and soft fur. Its dorsal pelage is bluish-grey, washed with brown, while the ventral side is lighter brown. The feet are yellowish-brown, and both the tail and ears are dark brown. Like other members of its genus, it has white-tipped teeth. It is dark grey or brown in coloration with lighter underparts. Like other members of its genus, it has white-tipped teeth. Its body length is approximately 6–7 cm, with a proportionately long tail.[4]
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Distribution and habitat
This shrew is restricted to South Andaman Island, where it inhabits tropical moist deciduous and evergreen forests, particularly among leaf litter and rock crevices at elevations up to 383 meters.[5]
Behavior and ecology
The Andaman shrew is presumed to be nocturnal, though it might also be active intermittently during the day and night. Due to its elusive nature and rarity, detailed information on its behavior, diet, and reproduction is lacking.
Threats
The primary threats to the Andaman shrew include:
- Habitat loss due to selective logging and other anthropogenic activities on the island.
- Natural disasters, such as tsunamis and drastic weather changes, which have contributed to habitat degradation.
Conservation
The species is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List due to its extremely limited range, small population size, and ongoing threats.[1]
See also
References
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