The Large-eared Gray Shrew inhabits a much greener zone than its relatives. Instead of arid scrubland, it occupies the tropical deciduous forest of the Mexican Pacific coast, between northern Sinaloa and Jalisco. It was recognised as a species distinct from Crawford's Shrew due to its proportionally larger ears. This trait gives the Large-eared Gray Shrew its name and sets it apart, at least on
Tiny, like other shrews of the genus Notiosorex, the Large-eared Gray Shrew has ears somewhat larger and more visible than those of its relatives. However, this difference is subtle and of little use for reliable field identification. It is confused with other Notiosorex species and with Red-toothed Shrews (Cryptotis) that share part of its habitat. Only cranial or genetic analysis reliably separates these species.
Like other shrews in its genus, the Large-eared Gray Shrew barely leaves recognisable tracks due to its minimal weight, except on very fine substrates. Droppings, cylindrical and 3-4 mm long, with visible arthropod fragments, are the most accessible sign, though they do not allow differentiation from other sympatric shrews by size or shape.
It shelters under dense leaf litter, fallen logs, and roots in tropical deciduous forest, a habitat wetter than that of other Notiosorex species.
Tropical deciduous forest of the Mexican Pacific slope, from northern Sinaloa to Jalisco.
Insects and other arthropods from the forest floor, as with the rest of the genus.
Solitary and nocturnal. No detailed published data exist on its reproduction, which is assumed to be similar to other species in the genus.
Its relatively wide distribution along the Mexican Pacific coast has meant no significant declines have been detected, although there are few recent field studies on the actual state of its populations.
Loss of tropical deciduous forest due to logging and conversion to agricultural and grazing land on the Mexican Pacific coast.
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