Wildlifeof China
Chinese Mole Shrew
Pangolins, Treeshrews, Shrews & Gymnures
Photo: Huet; Imp. Becquet; Imprimerie de É. Martinet; Louveau; Mesnel, A.; Milne-Edwards, Alphonse; Milne-Edwards, H.; Severeyns, G. · Public domain
Anourosorex squamipes
Basic stats
Diet
Beetles, hymenopterans, earthworms and some forest-floor vegetation
Habitat
Montane forest, topsoil and organic litter at 300–3,100m
Range
China south to Vietnam and east to Taiwan
Litter size
More than 5
Gestation period
Approximately 20 days
The Chinese mole shrew is adapted for moving and feeding beneath leaf litter and shallow soil. Its eyes, external ears and scaly tail are reduced, while its snout is elongated and its sense of smell is well developed. Enlarged front claws, long forefoot digits and a short, strong skull assist with digging. Sharp incisors are used to grasp insects and break their hard outer coverings. (Animal Diversity Web)
The species occupies primarily montane forest across elevations of 300–3,100m. It burrows through topsoil and organic litter but also emerges at the surface to forage. Insects and earthworms form the principal diet, although studies in China found some vegetation and shed skin in stomach contents, particularly during winter food shortages. Gestation lasts approximately 20 days, and litters commonly contain more than five young. (Animal Diversity Web)
Quick answers
- What does the Chinese Mole Shrew eat?
- Beetles, hymenopterans, earthworms and some forest-floor vegetation
- What habitat does the Chinese Mole Shrew live in?
- Montane forest, topsoil and organic litter at 300–3,100m
- Where is the Chinese Mole Shrew found?
- China south to Vietnam and east to Taiwan
- What is the litter size of the Chinese Mole Shrew?
- More than 5
- How long is the gestation period of the Chinese Mole Shrew?
- Approximately 20 days