Pygmy shrew  (Sorex minutus)

The small size of the pygmy shrew makes it particularly susceptible to environmental unpredictability, such as adverse weather (5). Habitats loss, heavy grazing and the use of pesticides are also potential problems (5).

All shrews are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (3). This diminutive shrew will be likely to benefit from agri-environment schemes that encourage farmers to reduce the density of grazing livestock on their land, and to create conservation-friendly field boundaries (5).