The White-Toothed Shrew Hits the Emerald Isle

Scientists note that the greater white-toothed shrew has made its way to Ireland.

Its natural range is Africa, France, and Germany, but researchers think the Crocidura Russula piggybacked a ride with some of the new immigrants of which Ireland has recently seen a surge. A small number of them could (and obviously have) populate the island quite rapidly.

The good news is that the new species will provide a healthy diet for the endangered birds of prey, such as the Barn Owl, the study of which led to the discovery of the white-toothed shrew. The downside is that it may lead to dwindling populations of indigenous mammals, such as the pygmy shrew.

© C Harris Lynn, 2008