American pygmy shrew
| American pygmy shrew | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systematics | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Sorex hoyi | ||||||||||||
| Baird , 1857 |
The American pygmy shrew ( Sorex hoyi ) is a species of shrew native to Canada and the United States . Along with the American harvest mice ( Baiomys ), it is one of the smallest mammals in North America.
description
The head-torso length is 4.1 to 6.7 cm. The tail is 2.1 to 3.9 cm long. The weight can be between 2.1 and 7.3 grams. It has a dense fur that is gray-brown in color.
distribution and habitat
It is common in North America in the northern taiga zone as well as the southern extensions of the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians . The pygmy shrews can be found in practically all climatic zones and tolerate wet, dry, cold and warm climates. It inhabits mountain forests, swamps and marshes. The burrow can be in a cave in the ground, under a tree trunk, or in the roots of dead tree stumps.
Way of life
She often stands on her hind legs and can run quickly. The outstretched, slightly curved tail is used as a balance. She can climb nimbly and jumps up to 10 cm high. Her call is an alternation of sharp squeaking noises and low purring and high-pitched whistling and whispering noises. It feeds on insects, worms and other invertebrates. Apparently, she doesn't spurn carrion either. Your enemies are birds of prey, owls and snakes.
These animals are diurnal and nocturnal. The mating season is in early summer. The gestation period is 18 days. It is assumed that there is one litter per year, which can be between three and eight young.
Web links
- Sorex hoyi in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2008. Posted by: Insectivore Specialist Group, 2008. Accessed on 24 February, 2009.
- Sorex hoyi - Description in Animal Diversity Web (Engl.)
- Description at Discoverlife