Summary ²

Ornate shrews, Sorex ornatus, are endemic to the west coast of North America and range from Northern California to Baja California, Mexico (1). In California, ornate shrews are found west of the Sierra Nevada mountains and south of Mendocino County, including the Central Valley (2). They prefer riparian habitats and are often found in grasslands, chaparral, and wetlands (1). The body shape and appearance of ornate shrews are mouse-like, though their noses are more elongated and pointed (3). Ornate shrews are mostly brown with gray undersides, but their coloration can change throughout the year as a result of molting. Ornate shrews average 11 cm (4 in) in length and have a lifespan of 1–1.5 years (4). Their diet consists primarily of insects, as well as some amphibians, snails, and slugs. Though they are active during both day and night, the majority of their surface activity occurs nocturnally, making them difficult to spot (2).

Coal Oil Point Reserve Facts ²

At Coal Oil Point Reserve, ornate shrews occupy the grassland habitat. They are uncommon at the reserve but are native to the area.

References ²

1. Ticul Alvarez, S., Matson, J., Castro-Arellano, I., Woodman, N., de Grammont, P.C. & Hammerson, G. (2016). Sorex ornatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T41408A22313226.en
2. California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System (2000). Ornate Shrew. California Department of Fish and Wildlife. https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=2289
   
3. Brittingham, M. C. (2013). Identifying Moles, Voles, and Shrews. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/identifying-moles-voles-and-shrews
4. Cannings, S. & Hammerson, G. (2004). Sorex ornatus. NatureServe Explorer. https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.101684/Sorex_ornatus

Sources and Credits

1. (c) J. Maughn, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by J. Maughn, http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmaughn/12469752045/
2. (c) copr, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

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