Mduma's shrew (Crocidura mdumai) is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is endemic to Tanzania.[2]

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

Etymology

edit

It is named after Tanzanian conservationist Simon Mduma, in honor of his efforts in studying the Serengeti ecosystem.[3]

Distribution and habitat

edit

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.[3]

Description

edit

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.[3]

Status

edit

This species is considered endangered due to habitat loss from deforestation due to smallholder farming in the Ngorongoro crater.[1]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Giarla, T.; Dando, T.; Kennerley, R. (2017). "Crocidura mdumai". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T112503346A112503349. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T112503346A112503349.en. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  2. ^ "Explore the Database". www.mammaldiversity.org. Retrieved 2022-08-04.
  3. ^ a b c 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. doi:10.1111/zoj.12230. ISSN 0024-4082.