The Hutu-Tutsi dwarf shrew (Suncus hututsi) is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is known from a small portion of the mountains of tropical Africa.[2]
| Hutu-Tutsi dwarf shrew | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Eulipotyphla |
| Family: | Soricidae |
| Genus: | Suncus |
| Species: | S. hututsi
|
| Binomial name | |
| Suncus hututsi | |
Taxonomy edit
It is named after the Hutus and Tutsis, the two major ethnic groups of Burundi, where the species was first discovered to science.[3]
Distribution and habitat edit
It is known from Burundi and Uganda, and may potentially be found in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is thought to be an endemic of the Albertine Rift montane forests. It was first collected and described from Kibira National Park, Burundi.[1][3]
Description edit
It is a dark-colored species smaller than the least dwarf shrew (S. infinitesimus) and slightly larger than Remy's pygmy shrew (S. remyi). It has a reduced coronoid process and a very short upper tooth row.[3]
Status edit
Due to lack of information on threats, it is classified as Data Deficient by the IUCN Red List. It may be threatened by deforestation and human intrusion on its habitat due to local civil unrest. Its type locality of Kibira National Park has been affected by the Burundian Civil War.[1][3]
References edit
- ^ a b c Engelbrektsson, P. (2016). "Suncus hututsi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T45954392A45973056. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T45954392A45973056.en. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
- ^ "Explore the Database". www.mammaldiversity.org. Archived from the original on 2020-10-28. Retrieved 2022-02-23.
- ^ a b c d Hutterer, Rainer; Peterhans, Julian Kerbis (January 2009). "The description of a new species of Suncus (Soricidae, Mammalia) from Central Africa". Small Mammals of Uganda. Bonner zoologischer Monographien 55: Appendix 4. Archived from the original on 2022-02-23. Retrieved 2022-02-23.