American Shrew-mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii)

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Description: The Shrew-mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii) is the smallest North American mole. It is the only member of the genus Neurotrichus and the tribe Neutrichini. It is also known as the American Shrew Mole, but its relationship to the other shrew moles is distant. It is found in damp forested or bushy areas with deep loose soils in the western United States and southwestern British Columbia. It has dark grey fur, a long flattened snout and has a short but thick bristled tail. It is about 10 cm in length including a 3 cm long tail and weighs about 10 g. Its front paws are smaller and do not face outwards from the body as in more fossorial moles, and so are more similar to those of shrews. It has 36 teeth. This mole is often active above ground, foraging in leaf litter for earthworms, insects, snails and slugs. It is able to climb bushes. Predators include owls, hawks and mustelids. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrew-mole_(Neurotrichus) It seems to be more social than other insectivores; and may travel in loose bands (Dalquest and Orcutt 1942, Maser et al. 1981). Most breeding occurs from early March to mid-May, but even then only a few percent of specimens are in breeding condition. The length of gestation not known. Litter size varies from one to four young, newborns altricial. It is reported to have an XO system of sex determination. The shrew-mole may consume more than its own body weight in food in one day. It feeds primarily on earthworms, gastropods, centipedes, sowbugs, insects, and other invertebrates. It also eats some plant seeds, fungi, and lichens. It is sightless and detects prey with its snout. It is active throughout the year. www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/41468/0. Date: 24 May 2010, 12:05. Source: American Shrew-mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii). Author: Tim Gage.