Saint Lawrence Island shrew facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Lawrence Island shrew |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sorex
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| Species: |
jacksoni
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| Saint Lawrence Island shrew range | |
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| Sorex jacksoni range | |
The Saint Lawrence Island shrew (Sorex jacksoni) is a tiny, quick mammal. It is a type of shrew, which are small, mouse-like creatures. This special shrew is only found in one place in the world. That place is Saint Lawrence Island, which is part of Alaska.
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About the Saint Lawrence Island Shrew
The Saint Lawrence Island shrew is a very small animal. It belongs to a group of mammals called shrews. Shrews are known for being very active. They have a high metabolism, which means their bodies use a lot of energy quickly. This makes them need to eat almost constantly.
What Does It Look Like?
This shrew is quite small, even for a shrew. It has a pointed snout and tiny eyes. Its fur is usually a brownish-gray color. It has small ears that are often hidden by its fur. Like other shrews, it has sharp teeth. These teeth are perfect for catching and eating small insects.
Where Does It Live?
The Saint Lawrence Island shrew lives only on Saint Lawrence Island. This island is located in the Bering Sea. It is part of the state of Alaska in the United States. The island has a cold, windy climate. It has tundra landscapes, which are flat, treeless plains. The shrew makes its home in these unique environments.
What Does It Eat?
Shrews are mostly insectivores. This means they eat insects. The Saint Lawrence Island shrew likely eats many small invertebrates. These include insects, worms, and other tiny creatures. It uses its excellent sense of smell to find food. It also has very sensitive whiskers. These help it explore its surroundings.
Life Cycle and Habits
Shrews generally have short lives. They are often active both day and night. They spend a lot of time searching for food. Female shrews usually have several litters of babies each year. Each litter can have a few tiny pups. The young shrews grow quickly. They soon become independent.
Why Is It Important?
The Saint Lawrence Island shrew plays a role in its island ecosystem. It helps control insect populations. It also serves as food for larger predators. These might include birds of prey or other small carnivores. Because it lives only on Saint Lawrence Island, it is a unique species. Scientists study it to understand island ecosystems better. Its conservation status is currently "Least Concern." This means it is not considered to be at high risk of extinction.
