Soriculus

The Sikkim United claws shrew ( Soriculus nigrescens ) is a species of mammal living in Asia from the family of shrews ( Soricidae ).

Features

The Sikkim United claws shrew is a medium sized, relatively stocky shrew with a short tail. The front claws are enlarged, which could indicate an at least partially grave lifestyle. The fur is brownish in color or gray. These animals can reach a body length of 8 to 10 centimeters and a weight of 12 to 16 grams.

Dissemination and lifestyle

This shrew is native to the Himalayan region, its circulation area covers northern India ( Sikkim ), Nepal, Bhutan, northern Myanmar and southern Tibet. Their habitat is forests and other lined with vegetation areas, they are found in altitudes of up to 4200 meters.

Little is known about the way of life. As a resting place they built a spherical structure of dried grasses, surrounded with stones. Their diet should consist of insects and other small animals.

This shrew is not considered a threatened species.

System

The Sikkim United claws shrew is now considered the sole representative of the genus Soriculus. Previously, the shrews of the genera Episoriculus and Chodsigoa were assigned to this genus.