Kelaart's long-clawed shrew

The Kelaart - long claws shrew ( Feroculus feroculus ) is an endemic to Sri Lanka shrew.

Features

The short, soft fur of this shrew is colored ash gray or black. The front paws are white, they are enlarged and wear long claws, in contrast to the gray hind feet are much smaller and only have small claws. The finely hairy tail is provided with some longer, bristle-like hairs. These animals can reach a body length 106-118 mm, a tail length of 56-73 mm and a weight of around 35 grams.

Way of life

These shrews inhabit exclusively the central highlands of Sri Lanka, where they inhabit areas with dense undergrowth up to 2150 meters above sea level. Otherwise, little is known about their way of life. The large front claws have probably indicate an at least partially subterranean life.

Threat

The species was discovered in the mid -19th century in the region around the city of Nuwara Eliya - in the same region, another similar species was found in the 1920s with the Pearson - long claws shrew. Since then, more than 10 specimens of this species have been sighted hardly. Due to the small distribution area and the destruction of their habitat, the species by the IUCN as threatened ( endangered ) is listed.