Sorex ixtlanensis, Carraway, 2007

Russell A. Mittermeier & Don E. Wilson, 2018, Soricidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 8 Insectivores, Sloths and Colugos, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 332-551 : 414-415

5 8.

Ixtlan Shrew

Sorex ixtlanensis

French: Musaraigne d'Ixtlan / German: Ixtlan-Spitzmaus / Spanish: Musarafna de Ixtlan

Taxonomy. Sorex ixtlanensis Carraway, 2007 ,

“N slope Cerro Pélon, 31-6 kms. S (by road) Vista Hermosa , 2650 m., Oaxaca, latitude 17- 36°N, longitude 95- 25°W.”

Sorex ixtlanensis was only described as a distinct species in 2007 based on morphological data, which was validated by M. Esteva and colleagues in 2010 based on genetic data that demonstrated its close relationship with S. veraecrucis . It is in the S. veraecrucis group and subgenus Otisorex.

Distributional limits between S. ixtlanensis and S. mutabilis are currently unresolved. Monotypic.

Distribution. Guerrero and Oaxaca, SC Mexico.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 66-77 mm,tail 45-67 mm, hindfoot 14-16 mm; weight 6 g. The Ixtlan Shrew is medium-sized, similar to the Mutable Shrew (S. mutabilis). Dorsum is reddish brown, and venteris lighter reddish brown. Tail is 65-85% of headbody length and unicolored reddish brown. I, has long strip of pigment at anteromedial edge. It can be distinguished from the Mutable Shrew by median tines above pigment on body of I' and presence of pigment on I, on one section. Teeth are pigmented dark red. There are five unicuspids,first and second are largest, third is usually smaller than fourth, and fifth is very small.

Habitat. Montane conifer and pine-oak forests with deep leaf litter at elevations of 1900-3000 m.

Food and Feeding. No information.

Breeding. No information.

Activity patterns. No information.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Data Deficient on The IUCN Red List. The Ixtlan Shrew was only recently described and is known from a relatively small distribution that is not fully resolved. More research is needed to make a proper assessment, but it is threatened by deforestation.

Bibliography. Carraway (2007, 2014i), Esteva et al. (2010).

Figures

Distribution. Guerrero and Oaxaca, SC Mexico.