Soricidae

Soricidae is a family of small, mostly insectivorous mammals commonly called shrews. They are among the smallest terrestrial mammals, with elongated snouts, tiny eyes, and dense fur. Unlike rodents, soricids have a long snout and sharp, ever-growing incisors used for catching and slicing prey. They possess a very high metabolic rate and must eat frequently to maintain activity.

The family contains more than 380 species in about 20–25 genera, divided into subfamilies Crocidurinae (white-toothed shrews) and Soricinae (red-toothed shrews). They are distributed worldwide, excluding most oceanic islands, Australia, and polar regions. Habitats range from forests and grasslands to wetlands and urban areas, with some species adapted to aquatic or semi-aquatic life.

Anatomy and physiology include sharp, chiselled incisors and a dental arrangement suited to an insectivorous diet. Some soricinae possess venomous saliva produced by specialized glands, which can immobilize prey. Vision is limited, relying on acute hearing and smell; many species navigate through dense terrain and clutter using haptic and olfactory cues.

Diet primarily consists of insects, worms, and other invertebrates; some larger shrews prey on small vertebrates. They forage actively, often foraging continually and covering large territories for their size. Reproduction varies by species, with multiple litters per year common in many temperate forms; gestation is short, and young are altricial.

Ecology and conservation: Shrews play a role in controlling invertebrate populations and are prey for larger mammals and birds. Several species are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and introduced predators; overall conservation status varies widely among species, from least concern to endangered.