Wildlifeof Thailand
Chinese Mole Shrew
Soricidae
Photo: Pei-Jen Lee Shaner · CC BY-SA 3.0 (May be cropped or resized)
Anourosorex squamipes
Basic stats
Diet
Earthworms, insects and other soil invertebrates
Habitat
Moist montane forest and shrubland
Range
Southern and central China to northern mainland Southeast Asia
The Chinese mole shrew is a compact, fossorial shrew with very small eyes, reduced external ears, broad forefeet and a short tail. These features suit a life spent pushing through soil and leaf litter rather than running over the surface. Its range extends from southern and central China into northern mainland Southeast Asia (Animal Diversity Web; Mammal Diversity Database).
It inhabits moist montane forest and shrubland, where it excavates shallow tunnels and feeds chiefly on earthworms, insects and other soil invertebrates. Individuals may also use existing cracks and burrows. Its subterranean habits make it difficult to survey, and regional taxonomy has changed as related populations were separated (Animal Diversity Web). It is Nationally Endangered (Thailand Red Data 2025).
Quick answers
- What does the Chinese Mole Shrew eat?
- Earthworms, insects and other soil invertebrates
- What habitat does the Chinese Mole Shrew live in?
- Moist montane forest and shrubland
- Where is the Chinese Mole Shrew found?
- Southern and central China to northern mainland Southeast Asia