Suncus megalura

(Jentink, 1888)

Climbing Shrew

Figure 1. Photograph by B. Stanley.

Figure 2. FMNH 177845. Photograph by R. Banasiak.

Type Description:

Notes Leyden Mus., 10:48.

Type Locality:

Liberia, Junk River, Schieffelinsville.

Measurements:

Total length: 135-167 mm

Head and body: 52-70 mm

Tail length: 79-90 mm

Hindfoot length: 14 mm

Ear length: 8-10 mm

Weight: 4-6 g

Distribution:

Suncus megalura is the most distributed and adaptable musk shrew species in Tanzania inhabits tropical Africa like Sylvisorex and is found in moist localities like montane and lowland forests, cultivation, grassland and riverine vegetation in semi-arid areas. (Kingdon, 1984, 1997)

Figure 3.

Key Reference:

1. Kingdon, J. 1984. East African mammals: An atlas of evolution in Africa. (Insectivores and Bats). University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2A:80-83.
2. Kingdon, J. 1997. The Kingdon field guide to African mammals, AP Natural World Academic Press, Harcourt Brace & Company, San Diego, p. 144.
3. Nowak, R. M. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World. Sixth ed. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 1:202-203, 225.