The Lwiro shrew or Misotshi-Kabogo shrew (Crocidura lwiroensis) is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[2]

Lwiro shrew
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Eulipotyphla
Family: Soricidae
Genus: Crocidura
Species:
C. lwiroensis
Binomial name
Crocidura lwiroensis

Etymology

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It is named in honor of the research team based at the Lwiro (Centre National de Recherche Scientifique) biological research station north of Bukavu.[1][3]

Distribution and habitat

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It is found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it is restricted to a small portion of the Albertine Rift on the western shore of Lake Tanganyika. It is restricted to the Misotshi-Kabogo highlands, an isolated region of montane forest south of the Itombwe Mountains. The only known specimen was found along a creek in a primary forest.[1]

Description

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It is very small in body size with a nearly naked tail. It has dark gray fur above and lighter gray fur below. It has a total length of 110 mm, a tail of 45 mm, and a weight of 5.6 g.[3]

Status

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Although classified as Data Deficient due to lack of studies, it is likely threatened by deforestation for agricultural expansion, mining concessions, as well as an increase in local population from migration by refugees from the Kivu conflict, which may impact the ecosystem.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Plumptre, A.J.; Dando, T.; Kennerley, R. (2020). "Crocidura lwiroensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T112139630A166620647. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T112139630A166620647.en. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  2. ^ "Explore the Database". www.mammaldiversity.org. Retrieved 2022-03-12.
  3. ^ a b J.C. Kerbis Peterhans; M.H. Huhndorf; A.J. Plumptre; R. Hutterer; P. Kaleme; B. Ndara (2013). "Mammals, other than bats, from the Misotshi-Kabogo highlands (eastern Democratic Republic of Congo), with the description of two new species (Mammalia: Soricidae)" (PDF). Field Museum.