House Shrew
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| Suncus etruscus |
The Brown Musk Shrew, more commonly called the House Shrew, has become adapted to a quiet, nocturnal existence among agricultural areas, villages, towns and cities. Unbeknownst to millions of Asia's urban dwellers, this quiet, unassuming insectivore helps in reducing the population of insects which we consider pests. It is likely that the species became introduced to Southeast Asia centuries ago by human activities, because 'wild' populations in natural habitats are largely unheard of.
The species is easily identified by its pointed snout and short, thick tail : the latter is almost hairless apart for a few long, sparse hairs. The ears are rounded and forward facing, and the eyes small. Fur colour varies from grey to brownish to reddish-grey. On each side of the body is a musk gland which exudes a strong odour during the mating season.
Dimensions are as follow:
- Head-Body Length : Up to 15 cm
- Tail Length : Up to 8 cm
- Weight : Up to 60 grams
Two litters of up to 5 young (though usually 3) may be born throughout the year. The young are known to travel in a convoy train with the mother, each clamping its jaws tightly to the rear or base of the tail of the preceding shrew.
The House Shrew ranges from Northern Africa, through the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent to most of Southeast Asia and the Far East.
