Vince_Adam Photography
IMG_3545-1CC(W) Shrew (Crocidura sp.)
Lowland disturbed forest.
Bkt. Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Important fun fact:
Shrews have unusually high metabolic rates, above that expected in comparable small mammals (Forsman, & Malmquist, 1988). If I remember correctly, it needs to feed every 3 hours (Nat Geo Wild).
Shrews are unusual among mammals in a number of respects. Unlike most mammals, some species of shrews are venomous. Shrew venom is not conducted into the wound by fangs, but by grooves in the teeth. The venom contains various compounds, and the contents of the venom glands of the American short-tailed shrew are sufficient to kill 200 mice by intravenous injection. One chemical extracted from shrew venom may be potentially useful in the treatment of high blood pressure, while another compound may be useful in the treatment of some neuromuscular diseases and migraines (Hutterer, Rainer; Vogel, & Peter, 1977). The saliva of the northern short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda) contains soricidin, a peptide which has been studied for use in treating ovarian cancer (Hutterer, Vogel, Frey, & Genoud, 1979).
Source: Wikipedia
IMG_3545-1CC(W) Shrew (Crocidura sp.)
Lowland disturbed forest.
Bkt. Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Important fun fact:
Shrews have unusually high metabolic rates, above that expected in comparable small mammals (Forsman, & Malmquist, 1988). If I remember correctly, it needs to feed every 3 hours (Nat Geo Wild).
Shrews are unusual among mammals in a number of respects. Unlike most mammals, some species of shrews are venomous. Shrew venom is not conducted into the wound by fangs, but by grooves in the teeth. The venom contains various compounds, and the contents of the venom glands of the American short-tailed shrew are sufficient to kill 200 mice by intravenous injection. One chemical extracted from shrew venom may be potentially useful in the treatment of high blood pressure, while another compound may be useful in the treatment of some neuromuscular diseases and migraines (Hutterer, Rainer; Vogel, & Peter, 1977). The saliva of the northern short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda) contains soricidin, a peptide which has been studied for use in treating ovarian cancer (Hutterer, Vogel, Frey, & Genoud, 1979).
Source: Wikipedia