A recent social media post by Nature Trust - FEE Malta highlighted the fascinating yet little-known presence of shrews across the Maltese Islands. Despite their tiny size, these insect-eating mammals play an important ecological role in local habitats.

Two species are known to occur locally: the Etruscan shrew (Suncus etruscus), which is found in Malta, and the Sicilian shrew (Crocidura sicula), which occurs in Gozo. The Etruscan shrew is among the smallest mammals in the world, reaching only about five centimetres in length. The Sicilian shrew, while still very small, has a slightly stockier build.

One remarkable trait of shrews is their extremely high metabolism. These animals must eat almost constantly to survive and can consume an amount of food equal to their own body weight each day. Their diet mainly consists of insects, larvae and worms. Because their energy needs are so high, a shrew that goes without food for just a few hours can die of starvation.

Nature Trust also encouraged the public to treat these animals with care. Humane live traps should be used if relocation is necessary, while glue traps should be avoided.

Maintaining leaf piles, providing shallow water sources with stones, and checking vegetation before clearing can also help protect these tiny but vital members of Malta’s wildlife.

Have you ever spotted a shrew in Malta?