Transcaucasian water shrew: Red Data Book of Armenia

Shrews - Soricidae

Status. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Least Concern. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Endangered EN B1a+2a.

Distribution. Western, Central and Eastern Europe, Asia from the Middle East through Central Asia to the Sea of Okhotsk, Caucasus, Iran, Turkey.

Distribution in Armenia. The provinces of Syunik, Vayots Dzor, Kotayk, Tavush, Lori, Aragatsotn and Gegharkunik.

Habitats. Riparian areas in highlands (up to 2500 m above sea level), semi–deserts and forests. Prefers the riverine shrubs and stony banks with sparse herbage.

Biological traits. Active in different times and seasons. Capable of swift running over the bottom, swimming and diving. The breeding season lasts from early spring to late summer. The litter size is 4–10 offspring. Feeds on different arthropods, worms, mollusks, fry and tadpoles, as well as on small rodents. Ecology in Armenia is not studied.

Population size and its trends. Lives in small groups of 2–5 individuals. In some districts (Hankavan, Dilijan, Ijevan and others) the population is significantly reduced because of water pollution and habitat destruction.

Major threats. Water pollution and human economic activities.

Conservation measures. Protected in Shikahogh Reserve, Dilijan National Park and Arevik National Park. It is essential to grant special protection to shrew habitats located within the national parks and other protected areas and to prohibit tourist activities and angling inside them.