C O M M O N , P Y G M Y & S H R E W S W A T E R Sorex araneus, Sorex minutus, Neomys fodiens Ecology I N T R O D U C T I O N D I E T Shrews are known as insectivores, All shrews eat insects & arachnids. The eating a wide range of critters which common shrew will also eat slugs, they hunt out with their highly snails and earthworms where as the developed sense of smell, sound and Water shrew loves a caddis fly nymph touch. & freshwater shrimp. They are highly territorial, defending Shrews must eat ever few hours & their patch aggressively preferring to consume more than their own body spend their time alone. weight every day. Their conservation status is considered to be of Least Concern however their population trend can not be T H E I R I M P O R T A N C E determined due to lack of information. As with all rodents they are immensely important within the food chain. They are essential for Owls - I D E N T I F I C A T I O N both tawny and barn - stoats, weasels, They are all similar in appearance badgers, foxes, kestrels & other but the main differences are: raptors. Common - Brown back, pale sides, However, they are unpalatable due to very pale underneath. Tail half the a musky scent secreted from their body length with little hair. scent glands but it doesn't seem to stop Pygmy - Brown back with pale them being an important food source. underside. Tail longer and hairer than Common shrew Water - Black coat with silver underside. Tail longer and silver underneath. Head-body length: Common: 6-8 cm Common Pygmy: 4-6 cm Water: 6-10 cm (bigger) Tail length: Pygmy Common: Half body length Pygmy: 3-4.5 cm Water: 5-8 cm Weight Adult: Water Common: 5-15 g H A B I T A T Pygmy: 3.5-7 g Water: 8-23 g All 3 species are found in the hedges & Lifespan: reedbeds in & around the EPIC site. Common: 15-18 months (50% die in 2 months) Hopefully the new habitat created will Pygmy: 12-18 months lead to an increase in their Water: 14-19 months populations. C O M M O N , P Y G M Y & S H R E W S W A T E R Sorex araneus, Sorex minutus, Neomys fodiens Conservation I S S U E S R E S E A R C H There are a number of problems Despite being a native, relatively facing Mice today - widespread group, there is still Agricultural practices things to learn about these Habitat loss creatures. Pesticide use In Ireland there is a study to Pollution determine the impact of a new Poor habitat management introduced specie of shrew on the Domestic cats Pygmy shrew. It is thought the larger, newer species - the Greater S I G N S T O L O O K white-toothed shrew is out competing the smaller native F O R species. DNA in droppings is being Shrews are rarely seen, unless used to look at similarites of prey brought in by a cat. It is therefore consumption. Studies like this are important to know their signs important to help inform Look out for: management programs to help Calls - They have a very shrill protect vulnerable specie. call often heard in hedges and leaf litter. Water shrews leave feeding signs such as cases of caddis larvae and snail shells - look on top of stones or logs. Water shrews have tiny (2 cm) diameter burrows in river banks with little vegetation disturbance. Owl pellets - a close inspection of owl pellets can help determine shrew presence. Look for teeth with red tips. Shrews are protected by law, under They often get trapped in the Wildlife & Countryside act 1981 discarded bottles - check for making it illegal to kill or trap them remains. Another reason to not without an appropriate licence. discard plastics!.