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Lesser shrew

Lesser shrew

Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Russian Federation, Sweden
Status
Least Concern

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Forest, Grassland, Wetland, Freshwater, Desert, Tundra

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
grasses, fresh leaves, herbaceous plants, and wild seeds

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
diurnal

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

COMMENTS: Subgenus Sorex. Formerly included gracillimus, which is now accepted as specifically distinct; see comments therein. Corbet (1978 c) included also planiceps and thibetanus; but see Dolgov and Hoffmann (1977) and Hutterer (1979). May include volnuchini, see comments therein. The European populations of minutus were revised by Hutterer (1990).
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Lesser shrew is officially designated as Least Concern. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to forest, grassland, wetland, freshwater, desert, tundra, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of grasses, fresh leaves, herbaceous plants, and wild seeds. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a diurnal activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 15 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Lesser shrew.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeBelgium, Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Russian Federation, Sweden
Habitat RangeForest, Grassland, Wetland, Freshwater, Desert, Tundra
Lifespan15 Yrs
StatusLeast Concern
ScientificSorex minutus
Registry Info
Lifespan15 years
KingdomAnimalia
FamilySoricidae