The Iberian Shrew is endemic to the southwest Iberian Peninsula. It belongs to the extensive family of red-toothed shrews, which spreads across half a continent in a mosaic of local species and chromosomal races; the Iberian Shrew represents the variant found in the westernmost part of Europe. It lives hidden among leaf litter and dense forest and scrub vegetation, with a life as fast-paced as any other
Small shrew-like mammal with dark brown fur on the back that gradually lightens towards the belly, a long, mobile snout, and teeth with the reddish tips characteristic of the genus Sorex. It is confused with other red-toothed shrews in its environment; its restricted distribution to the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula is the most reliable indicator for field identification against sister species with wider ranges.
Tiny track, barely 1 cm, rarely visible except on very fine substrate. Tiny, dark droppings, a few millimetres long, with insect chitin remains visible under a magnifying glass, left scattered along its surface runways under leaf litter.
It builds spherical nests of grass and moss in hollows under fallen logs or stones. Its presence is betrayed by a sharp, rapid squeak emitted when communicating or feeling threatened.
Forest, Mediterranean scrubland and areas of dense vegetation, from lowlands to mid-mountain areas. Endemic to the southwest Iberian Peninsula, with a much more restricted distribution than other European red-toothed shrews with a pan-European range.
Insectivorous, it feeds on insects, earthworms and other invertebrates, which it catches thanks to a very fast metabolism that forces it to feed very frequently.
The Iberian Shrew is continuously active in short bursts throughout the day and night. It is generally solitary and territorial outside the breeding season, similar to that of other European Red-toothed Shrews.
Populations of the Iberian Shrew are generally stable within its known range. However, its distribution is restricted to the Iberian southwest. This makes it potentially more sensitive to local habitat alteration than sister species with a much wider range.
Loss and fragmentation of Mediterranean scrub and forest vegetation due to agricultural intensification, and pesticide use which reduces the availability of invertebrate prey.
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