Asian highland shrew

The Asian highland shrew (Suncus montanus) is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is found in India and Sri Lanka. Its habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests. It is threatened by habitat loss. It is known as ශ්‍රී ලංකා කදු හික් මීයා in Sinhala.

Asian highland shrew
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Eulipotyphla
Family: Soricidae
Genus: Suncus
Species:
S. montanus
Binomial name
Suncus montanus
(Kelaart, 1850)
Asian highland shrew distribution in southern India and Sri Lanka

Description

The head and body reach 9–11 cm (3.5–4.3 in) in length. The tail is around 7 cm (2.8 in) long. It is dark bluish-brown to black above and paler below. The pelage may be bluish-gray at the base. Some adults are reddish brown. The fur is soft and velvety and hairless areas are pinkish.

References

  1. Molur, S.; Nameer, P.O. & de A. Goonatilake, W.I.L.D.P.T.S. (2008). "Suncus montanus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2008: e.T21147A9251556. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T21147A9251556.en.


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