First Rare Shrew Sighting Documented by Saudi Wildlife Center
The Saudi National Center for Wildlife has reported its first-ever sighting of the rare Dhofar Shrew (Crocidura dhofarensis) in southwest Saudi Arabia. This shrew, typically found in the Dhofar region of Oman and eastern Yemen, thrives in lush, damp vegetation near agricultural lands. CEO Mohammed Ali Qurban emphasized that this discovery underscores the center's commitment to safeguarding ecosystems and pursuing biodiversity conservation, which is central to their mission.
Qurban also pointed out that such findings, along with others like the previously discovered extinct cheetah skeletons in the north, demonstrate the center's success in ecosystem protection and enhancement. The Dhofar Shrew, known for its exceptionally high heart rate of up to 450 beats per minute, is a small mammal, averaging 12 cm in length and 10 grams in weight, with distinctive features like a pointed snout and soft, light brown fur.
The center's efforts in cataloging this species mark a significant scientific and environmental milestone for Saudi Arabia in its dedication to environmental stewardship and species conservation.
The center's efforts in cataloging this species mark a significant scientific and environmental milestone for Saudi Arabia in its dedication to environmental stewardship and species conservation.
