Surdisorex

The mole shrews ( Surdisorex ) are a living exclusively in Kenya genus of shrews ( Soricidae ) with two species. Previously they were performed as a subgenus of the African forest shrews ( Myosorex ).

Mole shrews are adapted to a partly underground lifestyle. Their ears are small and mostly hidden in the fur, the tail is short and the front feet are remarkably large and strong. The long, rough coat is colored brown on the top, the underside is lighter, and the tail is two-colored. In older animals there may be a darker back stripes.

Mole shrews inhabit exclusively Mountains in Kenya. Their habitat is moist woods 2800-3300 meters above sea level. They live in burrows and dig tunnels, their diet consists mainly of earthworms.

There are two types, both of which are led by the IUCN as endangered ( vulnerable ):

  • Surdisorex norae, does not live in the mountains west of Mount Kenya massif but on the volcano itself
  • Surdisorex polulus, is known only from three individuals that were found on Mount Kenya.
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