A new species of insectivorous mammal, a white-toothed shrew, has been discovered by the scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) from Narcondam Island of the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands.
- The species Crocidura narcondamica is a new addition to the list of mammals found in the country.
- According to scientists, this is the first discovery of a shrew from this volcanic island (Narcondam Island) and it increases the number of White-toothed shrew (genus Crocidura) species in India from 11to 12.
- The new species is of medium size (head and body lengths) and has a distinct external morphology with darker grey dense fur with a thick, darker tail compared to other species of the genu.
- With this discovery the number of mammals found in the country have increased from 429 to 430.
- The new white-toothed shrew species is named after the type locality, Narcondam Island regarded as a volcanic island situated in the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago, India: Narcondam Shrew Crocidura norcondamica.
- The discovery of a new insectivorous mammal comes after 43 years. Prior to this, scientists from the ZSI had discovered Crocidura jenkinsi on the South Andaman Island in 1978.
What are Shrews?
- Shrews are small and mouse-like mammals, and they live in sub-leaf stratum in the forests. Insects are the primary diet of these animals.
About Narcondam Island
- Narcondam Island is located about 130 km east of North Andaman, and about 446 km of the west coast of Myanmar. The isolated island covers an area of 6.8 km2 and the highest peak (volcanic cone) is 710 m above sea level.
- Narcondam is unique for the occurrence of the endemic Narcondam Hornbill (Aceros narcondami), which is found only in Narcondam.
- The Narcondam Island has been identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International and the Bombay Natural History Society.
(References: The Hindu and UNESCO)
