Peatland wildlife

Pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus)

Pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus)

Description

The pygmy shrew is the smallest mammal and the only shrew found in Ireland. It is easily distinguished from other rodents by its small size, long pointed nose, domed head with tiny eyes and red tipped teeth. Pygmy shrews occur in a variety of habitats but they are more abundant in moist habitats like peatlands where there is a good supply of invertebrates. Cats and other animals often kill shrews but they seldom eat them as their flesh is distasteful.

Behaviour

Pygmy shrews are carnivorous with small insects and spiders making up the majority of their diet. Their tiny eyes provide little assistance in searching out prey but they use smell and their sensitive whiskers to forage through the undergrowth. The pygmy shrew has a high metabolic rate so must feed periodically throughout the day and night, eating about 1¼ times their own body weight every 24 hours. Pygmy shrews use the runways of other animals when foraging but rest and nest in their own burrows .

Breeding

Shrews usually live solitary lives but come together during the breeding season. Breeding occurs between April and August with at least two litters a year produced after a 22 day gestation period. The tiny young are born hairless and blind but are weaned after only 22 days. After this time they are evicted by the mother, who becomes hostile towards them. In general the lifespan of a pygmy shrew is one year.

Status and Protection

Local

Pygmy shrews are common in areas with suitable habitat and are not given any special protection in Northern Ireland.

European

The pygmy shrew is listed in Appendix III of the Bern Convention.