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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[file:Watershrewskeleton.jpg|thumb|left]] [[file:NShortTailedShrew23.jpg|thumb|left]] {{Short description|Small insectivorous mammals}}<br />
{{Taxobox<br />
| name = Shrew<br />
| image = Common shrew.jpg<br />
| image_caption = Common shrew (''Sorex araneus'')<br />
| status = LC<br />
| status_system = IUCN3.1<br />
| status_ref = <br />
| regnum = [[Animalia]]<br />
| phylum = [[Chordata]]<br />
| classis = [[Mammalia]]<br />
| ordo = [[Eulipotyphla]]<br />
| familia = [[Soricidae]]<br />
| familia_authority = [[John Edward Gray|Gray]], 1821<br />
| subdivision_ranks = Subfamilies<br />
| subdivision = <br />
* [[Crocidurinae]]<br />
* [[Soricinae]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Shrews''' are small [[mammals]] classified in the family '''Soricidae'''. They are among the smallest [[terrestrial]] mammals, with some species weighing less than 2 grams. Shrews are known for their high metabolic rate and voracious appetite, consuming up to three times their body weight in food daily.<br />
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== Description ==<br />
Shrews have elongated, pointed snouts and small eyes, which are often hidden by fur. Their ears are also small and often not visible. They possess sharp, spike-like teeth that are well-suited for their insectivorous diet. Shrews have a keen sense of smell and touch, which they use to locate prey.<br />
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== Habitat ==<br />
Shrews are found in a variety of habitats, including [[forests]], [[grasslands]], and [[marshes]]. They are distributed across most of the world, except for [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], and [[Antarctica]]. Shrews are typically solitary animals and are highly territorial.<br />
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== Diet ==<br />
Shrews primarily feed on [[insects]], [[worms]], and other small invertebrates. Some species also consume small vertebrates, seeds, and fungi. Due to their high metabolic rate, shrews must eat frequently and cannot survive long without food.<br />
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== Behavior ==<br />
Shrews are active throughout the year and do not hibernate. They are mostly nocturnal but can also be active during the day. Shrews communicate using high-pitched squeaks and ultrasonic sounds. They are known for their aggressive behavior, especially when defending their territory.<br />
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== Reproduction ==<br />
Shrews have a short gestation period, typically around 20 days. Females give birth to litters of 2 to 10 young, which are born blind and hairless. The young are weaned after about three weeks and reach sexual maturity within a few months.<br />
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== Predators and Threats ==<br />
Shrews have many natural predators, including [[owls]], [[hawks]], [[snakes]], and [[mammalian carnivores]]. Despite their small size, shrews have a venomous bite that can deter some predators. Habitat destruction and pollution are significant threats to shrew populations.<br />
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== Classification ==<br />
The family Soricidae is divided into two subfamilies:<br />
* [[Crocidurinae]]: Also known as white-toothed shrews.<br />
* [[Soricinae]]: Also known as red-toothed shrews.<br />
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== Notable Species ==<br />
* [[Common shrew]] (''Sorex araneus'')<br />
* [[Eurasian pygmy shrew]] (''Sorex minutus'')<br />
* [[American water shrew]] (''Sorex palustris'')<br />
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== See Also ==<br />
* [[Mole (animal)]]<br />
* [[Hedgehog]]<br />
* [[Insectivore]]<br />
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== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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{{Taxonbar|from=Q25352}}<br />
{{medicine-stub}}<br />
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[[Category:Soricidae]]<br />
[[Category:Insectivorous mammals]]<br />
[[Category:Small mammals]]<br />
[[Category:Animals described in 1821]]</div>Prab