Andaman White-toothed Shrew
Crocidura andamanensis
Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Overview
The Andaman shrew or Andaman white-toothed shrew is a critically endangered species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is endemic to South Andaman Island of India and is typically active during twilight or at night, requiring specialized habitat. Habitat loss due to selective logging and natural disasters, such as tsunamis and drastic weather changes, are thought to contribute to its current population decline.
The Andaman White-toothed Shrew faces severe risk primarily due to its extremely restricted distribution on South Andaman Island, where ongoing deforestation and conversion of native forest for agriculture and settlement reduce available habitat. Its reliance on intact forest leaf litter for foraging makes it highly sensitive to even small-scale habitat disturbance. The species' naturally small range and low detection rates compound its vulnerability, as localized threats can disproportionately affect its entire population.
Habitat
The Andaman shrew inhabits the dense understory of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, preferring areas with thick leaf litter and fallen logs that provide cover and abundant invertebrate prey. It shows a particular affinity for humid forest environments with minimal human disturbance, typically at elevations below 300 meters across the Andaman archipelago.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in SORICIDAE
Threatened in India
Frequently asked questions
Why is Andaman White-toothed Shrew classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Andaman White-toothed Shrew live?
What are the main threats to Andaman White-toothed Shrew?
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