Taxonomy
Crocidura russula | Greater White-toothed Shrew
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Least concern
Native status
Non-native
First reported in the wild
2008
Invasiveness
Invasive species - risk of Medium Impact
Irish status
Established
Introduction pathways - 1
Uncertain
Invasive score
16
NAPRA Ireland risk assessed
No
Species Biology
Identification
Ecology
Feeds on a wide variety of invertebrates (Churchfield, 2008). Studies have shown that it has a negative impact on the abundance of wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus)and the occurrence of the pygmy shrew, though the mechanism is unclear (Montgomery et al., 2012), with the pygmy shrew completely absent at sites where C. russula is established. It appears to a positive impact on the occurrence of the bank vole (Myodes glareolus), which may contribute to the effects on the other two species.
Habitat
Woodland, forest and other wooded land; Regularly or recently cultivated agricultural, horticultural and domestic habitats; Grasslands and lands dominated by forbs, mosses and lichens
Reproduction
Litter size typically 2-11 with a mean of 4, producing several litters a year with a gestation period of 28-33 days (Churchfield, 2008).
Pathway and vector description
It is not known at present how this species entered Ireland but it is thought to have been present since at least 2001, despite only being reported in 2008.
Mechanism of impact
Competition, Interaction with other invasive species, Other
Broad environment
Terrestrial
Habitat description
Found in hedgerows, wooded land, grassland and cultivated areas (Churchfield, 2008).
Species group
Vertebrate
Native region
Europe
Similar species
Pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus)
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Established - Widespread and expanding. Range estimated at 7,600km2 in 2013, with a rate of expansion of 0.5-14.1km/yr depending on landscape characteristics (McDevitt et al., 2014).
Native distribution
Native range extends from central Germany to Iberia and into Northern Africa (Churchfield, 2008)
Temporal change
Date of first record category
2001-2010
Fifty year date category
2001-2050
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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How can you help
Report any sightings to the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
References
Publications
Montgomery, W.I., Lundy, M.G. and Reid, N., (2012). ‘Invasional meltdown’: evidence for unexpected consequences and cumulative impacts of multispecies invasions. Biological Invasions, 14(6), pp.1111-1125.
Churchfield, S. (2008) Greater white-toothed shrew Crocidura russula In: Mammals of the British Isles: Handbook, 4th Edition. (Eds) Harris, S. & Yalden, D.W. The Mammal Society, Southampton.
McDevitt, A.D., Montgomery, W.I., Tosh, D.G., Lusby, J., Reid, N., White, T.A., McDevitt, C.D., O'Halloran, J., Searle, J.B. and Yearsley, J.M., (2014). Invading and expanding: range dynamics and ecological consequences of the greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula) invasion in Ireland. PLoS One. 2014 Jun 23;9(6):e100403. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100403. eCollection 2014