Mammals

Shrews are a highly successful group of insectivores, comprising the third most speciose mammal family (Soricidae). They occur throughout most of the world, with the exception of Australasia and much of South America. They are often portrayed as “primitive” animals; indeed, the earliest mammals are often portrayed as shrew-like. However, soricids are a relatively modern group. The earliest shrew fossils have been found in North America from the middle Eocene (45 million years ago). They are known from Asia and Europe from the early Oligocene (34 million years ago), and in Africa from the middle Miocene (14 million years ago). The Soricidae is divided into two sub-families: the Crocidurinae (white-toothed shrews) and the Soricinae (red-toothed shrews). Red-toothed shrews are so-called because their teeth have a reddish appearance because of a deposition of iron in the outer layer of enamel, which may increase resistance to wear. Soriculus salenskii is a member of the Soricinae. Establishing the relationships between different shrew genera has proved difficult, because shrews show conservative dentition and skeletal morphology.

Head and body length: 53-96 mm
Tail length: 38-120 mm

This small shrew has a long pointed nose and long whiskers. Its soft, dense fur is black at the base with grey tips. The colouration is darker on the rump and paler on the underside. The ears are a blackish-brown colour.