Piebald shrew

Pied desert shrew, Moscow Zoo

The Pied desert shrew ( Diplomesodon pulchellum ) is a shrew. It comes in southern Russia (east of the Volga) and Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan) ago.

Pied desert shrews bear their name from the striking coat pattern. Your top is covered with dark gray hair, at the back part of the back there is a large oval white spot. Also white are the base, the feet and the tail. Like all shrews they have an elongated snout and small eyes. Elastic hair on the feet (which are constructed similar to that of water shrews ) prevent sinking of the animals in the loose sand. These animals can reach a body length of five to eight centimeters and a weight of seven to thirteen grams.

In contrast to most other shrew species Pied desert shrews inhabit any moist habitats, but dry steppes and semi- deserts. They move quickly and often look in caves, rock crevices or in the bushes protection. These animals are nocturnal in the first place and outside of the mating season loner. One or more times a year brings the female average of five pups.

Their diet consists besides the usual shrews insects also from lizards. These are caught with a bite to the head or neck, and in spite of strong opposition while detained until they are exhausted. They are then eaten hastily.