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(Photo: mammalogy) |
In Europe, there is a species of shrew with very unusual living habits: they are completely adapted to life underwater, even though they are primarily land animals known scientifically as Neomys fodiens. Despite their fondness for water, when necessary, they can live up to 3 kilometers away from ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams.
This type of shrew typically makes burrows along the water’s edge. The entrances to the burrows can be either above or below the water. The burrows are quite narrow, but despite being cramped, they are very useful: they help squeeze water out of their often soaked fur.
If you observe a Neomys fodiens shrew as it emerges from the water, it may appear muddy and dirty. However, after a few quick shakes of its fur, it quickly retreats into its burrow, pressing against the earthen wall, squeezing out the water from its fur, which the soil quickly absorbs. Moments later, it emerges from the burrow looking completely different: dry and quite “dapper.”
The Neomys fodiens shrew is a solitary creature, foraging both day and night. They can dive deep into the water, swimming to hunt for frogs, fish, snails, and other mollusks. They also catch insects and many other small animals.
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(Photo: univ-ubs) |
They immobilize their prey using a potent weapon: venomous saliva.
If you witness Neomys fodiens shrews chasing each other underwater, you will undoubtedly be amazed by their abilities. They are the most skilled divers in the shrew family, swimming using their hind legs and steering with their tails, particularly with their ears sealed by valves.
The breeding season lasts from April to September, with females producing two litters each season (in some cases, more than two litters), each containing 3 to 8 young. Females are pregnant for about 24 days or longer, depending on whether they are still nursing a previous litter. The young are weaned at around 30 days of age.
In terms of appearance, they have a tuft of hair on the underside of their tail, fringed legs, small eyes and ears, a pointed snout, and dense fur that is gray on the back and white on the belly. Their vision works in both light and darkness, but their eyesight is not particularly clear; however, their sense of smell and whiskers are extremely sensitive.
On average, the Neomys fodiens shrew has a body length of about 7 cm, a tail length of about 8 cm, and weighs around 15 grams. Their lifespan ranges from 2.5 to 3 years.
