Common shrew

The Common Shrew, also known as the Eurasian Shrew, is a familiar sight in Northern Europe, particularly in Great Britain. These tiny mammals are easily identifiable by their dark brown fur and distinctive red-tipped teeth. Unlike many animals, common shrews are active around the clock, taking only short breaks between their energetic pursuits. They are highly territorial and will vigorously defend their home territory.

When it comes to food, common shrews are true carnivores and insectivores. Their diet includes insects, slugs, spiders, worms, and even small amphibians and rodents. Given their high metabolism, they need to consume a significant amount of food each day to stay alive. Interestingly, they do not hibernate during winter because they are unable to store sufficient fat. Instead, they adapt by shrinking their skulls and brains, reducing the size of their organs, and shortening their spines to conserve energy.

The breeding season for common shrews runs from April to September. Following a short gestation period of 24 to 25 days, females give birth to litters of five to seven young. These offspring grow rapidly, reaching independence in just 22 to 25 days. To cope with changing seasons, common shrews develop different physical traits at various times of the year.

One fascinating aspect of common shrews is their chromosomal polymorphism, meaning their chromosome numbers can vary among populations. Research has also discovered that they use echolocation, a capability they likely developed through convergent evolution.

While common shrews are not at risk of extinction, they are protected in Great Britain under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981. They have numerous predators, including owls, cats, weasels, snakes, stoats, and red foxes. Despite these threats, shrews frequently appear in large numbers, particularly in woodland areas.