Shrews are very common small mammals in the forests of the Eastern Arc mountains. There is very little known about the natural history of this group, and the evolutionary relationships among the different species is poorly understood. Research on these animals should provide clues about the history of the mammals of the Eastern Arc, as well as the ecology of mountain forests. Crocidura – Musk shrews Currently there are approximately 23 species known from Tanzania. This number will undoubtedly change as more faunal surveys and systematic studies are conducted. Some of the more common residents of the Eastern Arc mountains are: C. oliveri (the largest Crocidura in Tanzania), C. monax, C. hildegardeae and C. elgonius (one of the smallest musk shrews in Tanzania). Crocidura desperata is known only from the Udzungwa Mountains and is considered endangered. Myosorex – Mouse-shrews The mouse-shrew is recognized by the relatively short tail and very scaly feet. There are two species known from Tanzania: M. geata and M. kihaulei. The latter was recently named based on specimens collected from the Udzungwa Mountains that showed smaller features of the skull, relative to M. geata (which is known from the Uluguru Mountains). Myosorex is also known from Mt. Rungwe. Sylvisorex – Forest shrews There are four species known in Tanzania. Two of them are commonly found in the Eastern Arc forests: S. megalura and S. howelli. S. megalura can be recognized by its tail which is as long as the head and body, if not longer. S. howelli is found in Eastern Arc forests and nowhere else. While common in the mountains where it is found, S. howelli is only known from the following Eastern Arc Mountains: East and West Usambara, Uluguru, Nguru, Ukaguru and Nguu Mountains. Suncus – Dwarf shrews Although Suncus murinus is one of the larger shrews known in Tanzania (and was probably introduced), the other two species recorded for the country (S. lixus and S. varilla) are small. While not common in montane forests of the Eastern Arc mountains, S. lixus has been recorded from dry forests in the Udzungwa Mountains.
	Tanzanian Mammal Key Home | Instructions | Skin Key Home | Skull Key Home Eastern Arc Mammals | Zoology | Field Museum Home | Credits © 2001 The Field Museum, All Rights Reserved 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60605-2496 312.922.9410