Common Shrew (Soricidae)

The Shrew is a very small species of Mammal that is native to the UK.
The Shrew is commonly around 44mm from nose to tail in length, and is one of the UK's most smallest rodents.
Shrews live a very short lifespan, and and it is very uncommon for a shrew to live longer than one year.

http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Common_Shrew.jpg < image reference at this link.

Wild Shrews live commonly in areas of grassland, woodland, and even in gardens.

Shrews feast on a diet of insects, and small worms, slugs and snails, and the Shrew can be often seen foraging for food most of the time that it is active.

Shrews are a source of prey for a lot of animals, including Foxes, Stoats, Owls, and other birds of prey, such as Kestrels.

https://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/kestrel_tcm9-18299.jpg?width=530&crop=(234,378,1016,818) < image reference at this link.

The Shrew's mating season begins around May, and females often have litters of pups between 5 and 7.

Although the animal is protected by British law, he animal's numbers exceed 41,000,000, which means there is no imminent threat to the species short term numbers.

http://www.liveanimalslist.com/interesting-animals/images/pygmy-shrew.jpg < image reference at this link.

I really have a liking for the Shrew, as I adore most rodents. Shrews are very small animals, and I feel that I may have a lot of fun illustrating them, which is ideally what I want.

http://www.davidplantphotography.co.uk/British%20wildlife/Mammals/slides/David%20Plant%20Photography%20-%20Wildlife%20Photography%20-%20Pygmy%20shrew%20-%20A.jpg < image reference at this link.

I have a strong feeling I will definitely feature this particular animal in my zine.








http://www.mammal.org.uk/species-factsheets/Common%20shrew











Thomas.