Notiosorex cockrumi

Notiosorex cockrumi, also called Cockrum's gray shrew or Cockrum's desert shrew, is a tiny species of shrews named in 2003. This red-toothed shrew, which is as light as a penny, is the first new mammal species from the U.S. state of Arizona since 1977. Its range extends from Arizona to central portion of the Mexican state of Sonora.

Distribution and habitat

The shrew is found in desert habitats from southeastern and south-central Arizona to central Sonora. It typically inhabits desert shrub, and plant communities dominated by mesquite, agave, cholla, and oakbrush. It burrows in the soil or in fallen logs and debris.

Characteristics

The shrew is very small and is insectivorous. It has a brown-gray color with a reddish-pink nose, tail and feet. Its nose has large whiskers and it also possesses large ears.