First Greater-white toothed shrew from mainland Britain

[Swampy]

A greater white-toothed shrew (Crocodura russula) has been found in Sunderland, a first record for mainland Britain (the species is present on and possibly native to Alderney and Guernsey in the channel islands).

Shrew photographed in Sunderland is new to Britain - BirdGuides

"A further trawl back through Melissa's posts show photos of white-toothed shrews since at least 2015. This means the species could be quite widespread by now without anyone having noticed."

 

[TeaLovingDave]

I'm going to have to keep a closer eye out when seawatching between South Shields and Sunderland! There's a particular stretch where I often spot shrews, and now I'm wondering if I've been missing something

 

[Dassie rat]

I heard about the shrew on yesterday's 'Today' programme on BBC Radio 4. The shrew was caught by Jeff the cat and died soon after the owner saw it.

 

[Fallax]

Interesting, I am curious when and how they were introduced.

 

[Swampy]

Interesting, I am curious when and how they were introduced.

shrews are fairly well known as invasive species mostly because of how easily they can be accidentally transported. Read up on the devastating arrival of Asian house shrews on Flat Island, Mauritius, for a case study.

 

[WalkingAgnatha]

Flat Island

Was that the one with Orange-tailed sinks which Durrell helped save?

 

[Swampy]

Was that the one with Orange-tailed sinks which Durrell helped save?

It was indeed. It is thought that population was wiped out within 2 years of the shrews arriving on the island.