Andaman shrew
| Andaman shrew | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Eulipotyphla |
| Family: | Soricidae |
| Genus: | Crocidura |
| Species: | C. andamanensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Crocidura andamanensis Miller, 1902
| |
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]
Taxonomy
[edit]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
[edit]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]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Molur, S. (2017) [errata version of 2016 assessment]. "Crocidura andamanensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T5595A115076487. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T5595A22303530.en. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ^ Srinivasulu, Chelmala; Srinivasulu, Bhargavi (2012-05-19). South Asian Mammals: Their Diversity, Distribution, and Status. Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN 978-1-4614-3449-8.
- ^ Richardson, Matthew (2023-03-09). Threatened and Recently Extinct Vertebrates of the World: A Biogeographic Approach. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-108-85258-6.
- ^ Menon, Vivek (2023-05-16). Indian Mammals: A Field Guide. Hachette India. ISBN 978-93-93701-90-9.
- ^ "Crocidura andamanensis G. S. Miller 1902 - Plazi TreatmentBank". treatment.plazi.org. Retrieved 2025-05-17.
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