Figure 2: The common shrew is distributed abundantly amongst the Palaearctic and can be found as far east as Lake Baikal in Asia. [2] There are also some isolated populations in France and the Pyrenees. [3]
Ecological traits: The common shrew lives in temperate habitats, and especially in areas of dense vegetation that are humid and shaded. It can tolerate several different habitats and can be found in woodland, farmland hedges and scrub, however not in areas that are arid.[3]. When it comes to their habitats, shrews are very territorial, therefore only during mating season (March) does the male enter a different shrew’s territory in search of a mate. A litter of shrews will contain between 6 or 7 young which weigh about 0.5-0.6 grams, whereas the adult shrew weighs about 4-14 grams and varies in length from 48-88 mm. The litter will reach sexual maturity after 9-10 months. A common …show more content…
As stated in the Enhancement Plan some of the habitats on campus are farmland, woodland, scrubs, and hedgerows which all are well-suited for the common shrew. Therefore, keeping conserving these habitats, can in turn help keep the shrew as abundant as it is today. Ass the plan states, less intensive management of grassland that borders with woodland, hedgerows and scrub areas, as well as keeping the hedgerows conserved and with a 4 m buffer strip can be of great aid to the shrew, as this will provide it with habitats in which it can keep hidden from predators, create it’s nest of sticks and leaves, as well as allow it to remain active at night, as the shrew is nocturnal.