Nimba Otter Shrew

Nimba Otter Shrew
Conservation status
Endangered (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Afrosoricida
Family:	Tenrecidae
Genus:	Micropotamogale
Species:	M. lamottei
Binomial name
Micropotamogale lamottei Heim de Balsac, 1954
Nimba Otter Shrew range

The Nimba Otter Shrew (Micropotamogale lamottei) is a dwarf otter shrew and belongs to the mammal family Tenrecidae. It is native to Mount Nimba in West Africa. Also known as Pygmy Otter Shrew, it shares the genus Micropotamogale with the Ruwenzori Otter Shrew.

Description

The Nimba Otter Shrew has a body length of 12-20 cm (4-8 in.) with a 10-15 cm (4-6 in.) long tail. It weighs about 125 g. It has a fleshy nose, rounded head and compact body. Its fur is long, of gray or dark brown color, and usually hides the eyes and most of the ears.^[2]

Ecology and behavior

Nimba Otter Shrew is nocturnal and semiaquatic. Its habitat consists of swampy areas, small rivers and upland forest streams. It feeds on fish, crabs, and water insects, catching its prey on short dives or along river banks.^[2]

Conservation status

Nimba Otter Shrew is listed as endangered.^[1] The species is confined to an area less than 5,000 square km around Mount Nimba. Its habitat is severely fragmented and declining due to ongoing agriculture and mining activities.^[1]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} Vogel, P. (Afrotheria Specialist Group) (2008). Micropotamogale lamottei. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 29 December 2008.
2. ^ ^{a b} David Burnie & Don E. Wilson (eds), ed (2005-09-19). Animal: The Definitive Visual Guide to the World's Wildlife (1st paperback edition ed.). Dorling Kindersley. pp. 104. ISBN 0-7566-1634-4.