Uropsilinae

Shrew moles ( Uropsilus )

The shrew moles ( Uropsilus ) is a mammalian genus from the family of moles ( Talpidae ). They are similar in physique rather than the other shrews moles and also not take a grave lifestyle. The genus includes four species that live in the eastern Asia.

Features

The conformation of the Shrew Moles is atypical for moles and bears similarities to that of shrews on. The tail is nearly as long as the body, the paws are not suitable for small and with her ​​soft claws for digging. You are the only moles clearly visible external ears, the snout is elongated and flexible. The fur is gray brown, feet and tail are hardly hairy, but provided with scales. These animals can reach a body length 6-9 inches, added a 5 to 8 centimeters long tail. The weight - if known - is 12 to 20 grams.

Distribution and habitat

Shrew moles live in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces as well as in northern Myanmar. Their habitat is forests and mountainous regions 1250-4500 meters above sea level.

Way of life

Little is known about the habits of these animals. According to reports, it can climb even in bushes or low branches, but looking mostly in the leaves on the ground for food. This should consist of invertebrates. When resting places serve them probably hollow tree trunks and crevices.

Systematics and species

Systematically take the shrew moles because of their specific body type within the Moles a special role and are managed in a separate subfamily, Uropsilinae. Phylogenetic analyzes see them as the sister taxon of all other moles.

Within the genus four types can be distinguished. These are very similar and have been identified as four different species in the 1980s.

  • Uropsilus andersoni lives in Sichuan Province.
  • Uropsilus gracilis is known from Sichuan, Yunnan and northern Myanmar.
  • Uropsilus investigator has only been found in Yunnan at an altitude of 3,600 meters. The species is IUCN endangered ( endangered ).
  • Uropsilus soricipes is limited to a small area in central Sichuan at an altitude 1500-2700 meters. This species is Endangered.
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