Christmas Island Shrew

Crocidura trichura

Australia's Threatened Species Category

Critically Endangered

Listed since: 15/02/2018

IUCN's Threatened Species Category

Critically Endangered

Listed since: 18/07/2015

Population trend: Decreasing

Other names: None

Priority Species? No

The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derive from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.

Description

The Christmas Island Shrew is a small insectivorous mammal which is endemic to Christmas Island and little is known of their ecology. The Christmas Island Shrew was recorded to shelter in holes in rocks and the roots of trees, and foraged predominantly on small beetles.

Threats

The threats the Christmas Island Shrew face are predation by feral cats and yellow crazy ants, clearing of habitat and loss of food sources. The impact of these threats are likely exacerbated due to the already small size of the population.