ETRUSCAN SHREW
Suncus etruscus
DESCRIPTION
The Etruscan shrew is one of the smallest mammals in the world, weighing only about 1.8 grams and measuring around 3.5 to 5.2 cm in body length. It has a long snout and a dense fur coat, which helps it thrive in various environments.
FUN FACTS
- The Etruscan shrew has a heart rate that can exceed 1,000 beats per minute | It can consume food equal to its body weight every day | Despite its small size, it is a voracious predator of insects
QUICK INFO
Lifespan2-3 years in the wild
Average Weight1.8-2.5 g
Average Length3.5-5.2 cm
Diet TypeInsectivore
Social Structuresolitary, they typically live alone except during mating season
Activity PatternNocturnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer
- Habitat
- They inhabit a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, and scrublands. They prefer areas with ample ground cover for foraging and nesting.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Grassland, Scrubland
- Native Range
- The Etruscan shrew is found across parts of Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
- Continent
- Europe, Asia, Africa
- Countries
- Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Tunisia
- Diet
- Etruscan shrews primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates. They have a high metabolism and need to consume a significant amount of food relative to their body weight.
- Diet Type
- Insectivore
- Favorite Food
- insects, worms
- Social Structure
- solitary, they typically live alone except during mating season
- Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal
- Group Size
- 1
- Territorial
- 0
VU
LC
1.8-2.5 g
Weight
3.5-5.2 cm
Length
- Coloration
- brownish-gray fur with a lighter underbelly
- Lifespan
- 2-3 years in the wild
- Gestation Period
- 30 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 2-7
- Sexual Maturity
- 1-2 months
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is considered stable in many areas, but local declines may occur due to habitat loss.
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction and pesticide use, which can reduce their food sources.
- Predators
- birds of prey, snakes, larger mammals
- Defense Mechanisms
- They rely on their small size and agility to escape predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Rare