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Salvin’s Shrew

Salvin’s Shrew

Guatemala
Status
Unknown

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Forest, Mountain

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

Description. The body size of S. salvini averages larger than in S. cristobalensis, S. mccarthyi, or S. stizodon, but smaller than S. sclateri. The skull averages smaller in most measurements than in S. cristobalensis or S. sclateri, but larger than in S. mccarthyi or S. stizodon. Sorex salvini has a relatively short mandible, longer toothrow, and shorter rostrum compared to S. cristobalensis and S. mccarthy i. Ecology. Sorex salvini is found in broad-leaved and coniferous cloud forests of Alta Verapaz, Huehuetenango, Quetzaltenango, and Totonicapán. Depending upon the mountain range, known small mammal associates include Cryptotis mam, C. lasertosus, C. oreoryctes, Habromys lophurus, Handleyomys saturatior, Heteromys desmarestianus, Marmosa mexicana, Microtus guatemalensis, Nyctomys sumichrasti, Oligoryzomys fulvescens, Peromyscus beatae, P. grandis, P. guatemalensis, P. mayensis, Reithrodontomys microdon, R. sumichrasti, R. tenuirostris, Scotinomys teguina, and Sorex veraepacis (Carleton & Huckaby 1975; Woodman 2010, Woodman 2011 b; Matson et al. 2014). Nothing is known about its reproductive habits. Specimens examined (14). Guatemala, Alta Verapaz: Finca Chinaux, Campamento de los Helechos, 2040 m (CM 120109 – 120110); Huehuetenango: San Mateo Ixtatán, Cerro Bobí (USAC 26); San Mateo Ixtatán, Aldea Chiloala Zum (USAC 27); Todos Santos (USNM 77023); Yiaquich, 4 km NW Sta Eulalia, San Mateo Ixtatán, 2950 m (UMMZ 117849 – 117850); Quiche: Chimel Grande, 12.6 km N, 9 km E Uspantan, 2490 m, 15.46208 N, 90.78811 W (MVZ 226939); Quetzaltenango: Volcán Santa María 9000 ft. (USNM 77044 – 77046); 4 km SE Zunil (Finca la Chingada) 2720 m (USNM 569591); Totonicapán, Calel, 10,200 ft. (USNM 77035, 77071).
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Salvin’s Shrew is officially designated as Unknown. 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, mountain, 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 Salvin’s Shrew.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeGuatemala
Habitat RangeForest, Mountain
Lifespan15 Yrs
StatusUnknown
ScientificSorex salvini
Registry Info
Lifespan15 years
KingdomAnimalia
FamilySoricidae