One of the most common shrews in South and Southeast Asia, so widespread that it acts as a regular host for studies of parasites and diseases transmissible to humans and other animals.
Small, with a head-and-body length of 66-89 mm, a tail 60% to 70% of that length, and a weight of 6-12 g. The pelage of the head and upperparts is dark blackish-grey to smoky brown, darker in summer than in winter; the belly is dark grey, and the tail is dark brown above and paler below.
Like most shrews of its size, the Asian Gray White-toothed Shrew leaves subtle tracks and signs that are rarely visible without trapping. It feeds on small soil invertebrates, and its remains are occasionally found in owl pellets.
A wide variety of habitats in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Insectivorous, feeding on small invertebrates.
Exhibits the near-continuous activity typical of shrews due to its high metabolic rate. It is one of the most common species within its range.
One of the most common species within its home range, showing no signs of significant decline.
No major threats have been identified on a global scale.
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