Common shrew

Sorex (Sorex) araneus

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The common shrew is widely found across areas of Europe and Asia. Although these small bundles of energy appear outwardly similar to mice, they are actually more closely related to hedgehogs and moles. Within zoological taxonomies, they are all considered insect eaters. The common shrew is both diurnal and nocturnal and does not hibernate. Common shrews require so much energy that they are constantly on the hunt for food. Earthworms, insects, snails and even small vertebrates feature in their diet. A biological study of common shrews around Lake Constance in 2014/2015 determined that their body weight undergoes considerable seasonal fluctuations. Unlike some mammals that put on winter fat reserves, common shrews shrink their body mass by 20% before the onset of winter. Not only do individual organs shrink, such as the spleen, intestines and brain shrink, but so does the skull as well as the spine! This process lasts throughout winter. In the springtime, its body weight increases again to more than 80%. This transformation is not induced by the actual lack of food but is rather genetically determined and presumably helps the animal survive the winter with less food.

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