Mduma's shrew explained

Mduma's shrew (Crocidura mdumai) is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is endemic to Tanzania.[1]

Etymology

It is named after Tanzanian conservationist Simon Mduma, in honor of his efforts in studying the Serengeti ecosystem.[2]

Distribution and habitat

It is restricted to Tanzania, where it is only found in the forests of the Ngorongoro Crater. Its habitat includes montane forests on the edge of the Ngorongoro caldera and drier forests on the southeastern slope.

Description

The holotype had a length from head to rump of 81 mm and a tail of 59 mm. It has dark brown fur on the back and dark gray on the belly.

Status

This species is considered endangered due to habitat loss from deforestation due to smallholder farming in the Ngorongoro crater.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Explore the Database . 2022-08-04 . www.mammaldiversity.org.
  2. Stanley . William T. . Hutterer . Rainer . Giarla . Thomas C. . Esselstyn . Jacob A. . 2015-04-21 . Phylogeny, phylogeography and geographical variation in theCrocidura monax(Soricidae) species complex from the montane islands of Tanzania, with descriptions of three new species . Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society . 174 . 1 . 185–215 . 10.1111/zoj.12230 . 0024-4082. free .