Otter Shrew

Otter Shrew, small mammal native to Africa. There are two types of otter shrews: the giant otter shrew, which lives throughout the rain forests of central Africa, and the dwarf otter shrew, which inhabits forested areas of coastal west Africa as well as parts of central Africa. Both types of otter shrews live in and around aquatic environments, primarily forest streams, at altitudes ranging from sea level to about 1800 m (about 6000 ft). In African folklore, the giant otter shrew is considered to be part mammal and part fish.

As their name suggests, these animals resemble otters, having long bodies, short legs, and long tails. The giant otter shrew is one of the largest of all insectivores, measuring from 29 to 35 cm (11 to 14 in) in length with a tail of 25 to 29 cm (10 to 11 in). It can weigh close to 400 g (14 oz). The dwarf otter shrew reaches no more than 20 cm (about 8 in) in length plus a tail of 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in). It weighs about 135 g (5 oz). Otter shrews have short, dense hair that is brown, gray-brown, or black, with lighter-colored fur on the throat and belly. They have small eyes, small ears, and long, broad snouts with stiff whiskers. Otter shrews are excellent swimmers, and one species of dwarf otter shrew has webbed feet. They use their very muscular tails to propel themselves through the water.

The otter shrew’s diet is made up of a variety of aquatic animals. These include fish, crabs, and frogs, as well as worms and insects. Although these shrews hunt most of their prey in the water, they often come onto dry land to eat. They are most active at night.

Otter shrews are solitary animals. They come together for mating, which can take place throughout the year. Females typically produce two young per year, which they raise in grass-lined holes or tunnels along the banks of a stream.

Otter shrews are known to raid fish traps and fishnets, but in doing so they sometimes become trapped themselves and drown. Although otter shrews are not considered endangered, their habitat area is being reduced by forest destruction and land development.

Scientific classification: Otter shrews are members of the family Tenrecidae in the order Insectivora. The giant otter shrew is classified as Potamogale velox. The webbed-footed dwarf otter shrew is classified as Micropotamogale ruwenzorii, and the other dwarf otter shrew species is classified as Micropotamogale lamottei.