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Robert Stebbings
Willowbrook House
Kings Cliffe
Peterborough
PE8 6XN
New species of shrew discovered in mainland Britain
In October 2022 the Greater white-toothed shrew Crocidura russula was discovered in Sunderland, confirmed by DNA analysis. Since then, several likely records have been seen in other parts of the country, which are currently being investigated.
The Greater white-toothed shrew was first identified in Ireland in 2007 (from material in owl pellets) and has probably been there since at least 2001. It has spread rapidly and monitoring there has indicated a dramatic decline in the population of native Pygmy shrew.
They are similar in size to the Common shrew with the main distinguishing features being white teeth rather than red tipped teeth, and long white hairs on the tail (the genus name Crocidura is Greek for woolly tail due to these white hairs).
Whilst there have been no potential records of the Greater white-toothed shrew yet in Suffolk, it would be very useful to get a better understanding of the distribution of our three native shrews so that we can assess any impacts should the Greater white-toothed shrew arrive. If anyone sees any species of shrew, or any other mammals, please get in touch via mammal@sns.org.uk preferably with photographic evidence to help with verification.
Alison Looser
(2023)