Kamchatka shrew

The Kamchatka shrew (Sorex camtschatica) is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is endemic to Russia.

Kamchatka shrew
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Eulipotyphla
Family:	Soricidae
Genus:	Sorex
Species:	S. camtschatica
Binomial name
Sorex camtschatica Yudin, 1972
Kamchatka Shrew range

Classification

The species was first described in 1972. Before that it was considered a subspecies of cinereus shrew (Sorex cinereus).^[2]

Range

Kamchatka shrew inhabits riparian scrubs in North-Eastern Siberia, in the upper reaches of the river Omolon (its tributary Kegan), and in Kamchatka (Kambalny Bay, Lake Azhabachye, neighborhood of Milkovo).^[3]

Appearance

The body length reaches 66 mm (2.6 in), with an average of 57 mm (2.2 in). The tail is about 79% of the body length and can be 54 mm (2.1 in) long. The average weight of an adult is 5 g (0.18 oz).^[4] The back is ashy-gray, sides are lighter, with brown tones. The belly is light gray.^[5] This species is characterized by the highly elongated rear feet with well-defined bristle brush hair.^[2]

Life events

Biology of the species is poorly understood. The breeding season lasts from April to September. Females annually produce up to three litters with 5.1 cubs per liter on average.^[5]