A fascinating small mammal that earns its name from its distinctive dental characteristic: unlike many of its relatives, which feature red-tipped teeth, this species boasts entirely unpigmented teeth.
Adorned with a coat that varies in color from reddish-brown to greyish, the lesser white-toothed shrew showcases a gradient that gently fades into a lighter shade on its belly, blending seamlessly into its natural environment. Adding to its intriguing appearance, the tail of this tiny creature is covered with short, bristly hairs punctuated by longer white hairs, providing an aesthetic feature and a sensory tool. The shrew’s physique is further characterized by a pointy snout and a pair of rounded ears, features that enhance its foraging efficiency and spatial awareness in its habitat.
In terms of diet, the lesser white-toothed shrew exhibits remarkable versatility. It preys on small crustaceans along the shorelines of islands, showcasing an ability to exploit the coastal ecosystem’s resources. Away from the seaside, its diet diversifies to include a variety of invertebrates such as flies, worms, snails, and beetles. This dietary flexibility allows the lesser white-toothed shrew to thrive in a wide range of environments and showcases its important role in controlling insect populations and maintaining ecological balance.
A noteworthy aspect of the lesser white-toothed shrew’s biology is its ability to survive longer periods without food compared to other shrew species. This resilience is particularly crucial given the shrew’s high metabolic rate, which typically necessitates frequent feeding intervals. Such endurance supports the shrew’s survival in environments where food sources may temporarily fluctuate or become scarce.
The construction of their nests is another testament to the lesser white-toothed shrew’s adaptability. Using tightly woven grass and other vegetation, these shrews create their nests within suitable cavities. These nests provide shelter and warmth and serve as a secure location for raising their young.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
China
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Egypt
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Italy
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
North Macedonia
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
Syria
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
United Kingdom
UzbekistanAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
