Serranics

Serranics is a genus of shrews native to the Iberian Peninsula and the Rif Mountains of Morocco. The genus is part of the Soricidae family, which comprises a wide variety of shrew species. Serranics shrews are characterized by their small size, pointed snouts, and tiny, often hidden eyes. They are typically insectivorous, feeding on a diet of insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. Their coloration usually ranges from brown to reddish-brown on their upper parts, with lighter undersides.

The most well-known species within the Serranics genus is the Pyrenean shrew (Serranics alpinus). This species inhabits mountainous regions, typically above 1,000 meters, in the Pyrenees and other mountain ranges of the Iberian Peninsula. Another notable species is the Strait's shrew (Serranics pyrenaicus), found in parts of Spain and Portugal. The genus's distribution highlights its adaptation to cooler, often humid environments.

Serranics shrews play a role in their ecosystems as predators of invertebrates, helping to regulate insect populations. Like other shrews, they have a high metabolism and need to eat frequently to survive. Their secretive nature and preference for dense vegetation or rocky habitats make them difficult to observe. Conservation status varies among species within the genus, with some facing threats from habitat loss and fragmentation. Research into Serranics focuses on their ecology, behavior, and genetic diversity.