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Madagascan pygmy shrew
The Madagascan pygmy shrew (Suncus madagascariensis) is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae.[2] It is the only known Malagasy shrew.[1] TaxonomySome taxonomists regard it as conspecific with the widely distributed Etruscan shrew, the smallest known mammal by mass,[1][2] and likely to have been introduced to Madagascar from India or Southeast Asia by humans.[3] It is found in Madagascar and the Comoros, at altitudes from sea level to 1500 m.[1] Distribution and habitatIt is thought to be more common in the less humid western and southern parts of Madagascar.[1] This shrew may also be present on Socotra.[2] The species is found primarily in forests. Diet and behaviourIt is presumed to be solitary, nocturnal and insectivorous, like its relatives.[1] The litter size is one or two.[1] It is threatened by logging and other forms of deforestation.[1] References
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