If you couldn't tell from the name, the Pygmy Shrew is a tiny little guy, typically measuring less than 2in (52mm). They also weigh next to nothing, at a whopping .14oz (4g)! They are found across Europe and Asia and are one of the world's smallest mammals.
(Image Source) |
Pygmy Shrews are so tiny that they aren't even able to hibernate; they have nowhere to store any fat reserves. They also have ridiculously fast metabolisms which force them to consume 125% of their own body weight every single day. Pygmy Shrews eat invertebrates like spiders, grasshoppers, and beetles.
Females give birth to multiple litters each year, each containing 4-7 young. They age quickly, and only live about a year and a half at the maximum.
Pygmy Shrews are listed as being of least concern. Their population is stable, but their small size does make them susceptible to environmental changes.
Comments
Post a Comment