The East African highland shrew (Crocidura allex)

The East African highland shrew (Crocidura allex) is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List

Distribution

Crocidura allex, the East African highland shrew, or simply highland shrew, is a species of the family Soricidae.

It is currently distributed in Kenya and northern Tanzania. Crocidura allex has been found on Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru, in the Ngorongoro Crater and in the mountainous regions of south-western Kenya. The species is found at altitudes of 2000-4000 m above sea level, in alpine meadows and swamps.

Threat to existence

Crocidura allex is considered a relatively rare animal, but is quite abundant on Kilimanjaro. The main threat to the species is habitat loss due to economic development. It is suspected that global warming may become a threat to the mountain habitats of Crocidura allex in the near future. Further research on range, population, breeding and habitat status is necessary for its protection.

Crocidura allex is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as a vulnerable species. The area of distribution is less than 20 000 km2 and is still decreasing.