http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/sorpal.pdf
In New England, the water shrew has been a species with growing "special concern" (that means it is about to become a threatened species). Between 1986 and 2010 there have only been 18 reports of the water shrew in Massachusetts. Although the water shrew is a fairly secluded animal, this is a worryingly small amount of sightings. The water shrew has been threatened by things such as suitable habitat fragmentation, which makes it hard for the shrew to move around a lot. Also, warming and siltation of ponds and other water sources (caused by agriculture, logging, road building, etc.) is effecting the forests where the shrews live, and limiting their food supply.
I like your title (:
ReplyDeleteThe environment could possibly be affected the the absence of this animal. We need to preserve this animal and any others being harmed.
ReplyDeleteHow environmentaly helpful is this "water shrew"? Are we taking any preventive meeasure to help this amimal? And I think it's astounding how there have been only 18 sightings!
ReplyDeleteits sad to hear that water shrews are starting to be threatened by extinction. also i was wondering what a water shrew is....it clearly sounds like something that might live or spend most of its time in water but im still slightly confused. also what does this water shrew bring to the table? will we benefit from saving this species? i have many more questions...
ReplyDeleteTheir too cute to go extinct
ReplyDeleteThis species should be saved because they have a diet of aquatic insects, chiefly mayflies, caddis flies, stone flies, beetle and fly larvae, snails, flatworms, small fish and fish eggs so, if this species were to die out the its preys population would grow causing other animals to possibly become over populated and destroy the eosystem.
ReplyDelete