The captive behaviour of the red musk shrew, Crocidura f. flavescens (I. Geoffroy, 1827) (Soricidae : Crocidurinae)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The captive behavior of a large number of C. flavescens has been observed since Sept. 1974. This species showed no marked deviation from the behavior patterns of other Soricidae, which generally appeared to be very similar. This shrew is essentially terrestrial and performs little burrowing or climbing. It grooms mainly by scratching and occasionally by licking. Elimination occurs in a localized area of the cage and both refection and coprophagy were observed. Males and females assist in nest-building and the nests are either saucer-shaped or spherical. The shrew eats a variety of invertebrates and is also able to catch and kill similar-sized rodents. It is cannabalistic. The audible vocalizations are similar to those of other species but echolocation does not occur. Eyesight is poor, hearing is acute and it appears that the latter is more important in prey detection than olfaction. Various methods of scent-marking and 4 levels of aggression are described. This shrew is territorial and appears to be solitary with pairs forming only for mating.