Episoriculus

Episoriculus is a largely unknown mammal genus from the family of shrews ( Soricidae ). The four species of this genus are common in Asia.

Features

These shrews are characterized by a slender physique, a long tail ( which is approximately the same length as the body) and by small claws on the forefeet. Together with some cranial features, these features of the distinction to the genus Soriculus dar.

With a body length of 45 to 70 millimeters and a weight of 4 to 7 grams are the four species of the genus comparatively small representatives of the shrews.

Way of life

Little is known about their way of life. Habitat of these animals are moist forest and bush lands. Their diet consists of insects, earthworms and other invertebrates, but sometimes they also take small mammals to himself. Once or twice a year brings the female average of five pups.

System

In some classifications Episoriculus considered as a subgenus of Soriculus, but recent works such as Wilson & Reeder ( 2005), firm as an independent genus. This division is justified by the smaller dimensions and smaller front claws.

There are four types:

• Episoriculus caudate is distributed from the Kashmir region and southern China to northern Myanmar.
• Episoriculus fumidus is endemic to Taiwan.
• Episoriculus leucops comes from Nepal and northern India to northern Vietnam before.
• Episoriculus macrurus is distributed from Nepal and southern China to Vietnam.

None of the four species considered IUCN as endangered.