Genus Feroculus Higher classification Feroculus | Phylum Chordata Family Soricidae Scientific name Feroculus feroculus Rank Species | |
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Similar Pearson's long‑clawed shrew, Sri Lankan long‑tailed shrew, Jungle shrew, Sri Lankan shrew, Ruwenzori shrew |
Kelaart's long-clawed shrew (Feroculus feroculus) is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is monotypic within the genus Feroculus. It is endemic to Sri Lanka and southern India. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, and swamps. It is threatened by habitat loss. It is known as පිරි හික් මීයා in Sinhala.
The species is named for zoologist Edward Frederick Kelaart.
Head and body length is 11–12 cm. Tail is 7–8 cm long. Pelage cloe, soft, and short. Uniform ashy-black above, paler and glossy below. Forefeet almost white, very long and reddish claws. Tail covered by fine hairs as well as a few bristly long hairs.
References
Kelaart's long-clawed shrew Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA