Notiosorex cockrumi

Cockrum's gray shrew
Specimen of Notiosorex cockrumi in the Natural Science Research Laboratory's (NSRL) collection at the Museum of Texas Tech University
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Imperiled (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Infraclass:	Placentalia
Order:	Eulipotyphla
Family:	Soricidae
Genus:	Notiosorex
Species:	N. cockrumi
Binomial name
Notiosorex cockrumi Baker, O'Neill & McAliley, 2003
Cockrum's gray shrew range

Notiosorex cockrumi, also called Cockrum's gray shrew or Cockrum's desert shrew, is a tiny species of shrew 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 the 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.