| Apennine shrew | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Eulipotyphla |
| Family: | Soricidae |
| Genus: | Sorex |
| Species: | S. samniticus |
| Binomial name | |
| Sorex samniticus Altobello, 1926 | |
 | |
| Apennine Shrew range | |
The Apennine shrew (Sorex samniticus) is a species of shrew in the family Soricidae.
Sorex samniticus was described in 1926 by Altobello. It was previously considered a subspecies of S. araneus, but separated from it in 1979. [2] [3] S. samniticus has a subspecies, S. samniticus garganicus, which is smaller than the standard nominate subspecies S. s. samniticus. [4]
A genetic analysis estimated that the Apenine shrew diverged from other shrews in the genus Sorex approximately 2.7 million years, further in time than the other species of the araneus group. [5] [4]
The Apennine shrew is very similar in appearance to the common shrew (Sorex araneus), but it can be distinguished by the upper incisors. [4]
It has 52 pairs of chromosomes, unlike other morphologically similar shrews such as the common shrew. [6]
The Apennine shrew is endemic to Italy. It has been found from 300 metres (980 ft) to 1,160 metres (3,810 ft) above sea level. It prefers shrubland. [1] A 2007 study found that its population decreased as the amount of Quercus cerris (a species of oak) and Castanea sativa (sweet chestnu) trees increased. [7]
It is listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN due to its wide range and lack of known threats. [1]
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