Common shrew (Sorex araneus)

Species information

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Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Threats

In farmland areas, this species is likely to be affected by pesticides, either through secondary contamination through their prey or by direct exposure (5). Decreases in prey availability can greatly affect survival as shrews have such high metabolic rates (5). The decline in hedgerows, field boundaries and other features that provide important habitats for shrews resulting from agricultural changes may also affect shrews (5).

Conservation

All shrews are protected under schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; under this act it is illegal to trap shrews without a licence (3).