Why does Africa have such a large diversity of shrew species?

Africa possesses a remarkable diversity of shrew species, with more than 40 percent of all living species—approximately 145 out of 325—indigenous to the continent.1

This high level of biodiversity is largely attributed to the evolutionary history of the genus Crocidura (white-toothed shrews). Evidence suggests that this genus, which contains the greatest number of species, likely originated in Africa, as the most primitive species are found in the continent's tropical forests. Over millions of years, these shrews have adapted to a wide array of African environments, ranging from tropical and riverine forests to savannas, grasslands, and semiarid habitats.21

Furthermore, the continent supports several distinct subfamilies and genera, such as Sylvisorex (forest musk shrews), Myosorex (mouse shrews), and the unique Scutisorex (armoured shrews), which have evolved specialized anatomical features to thrive in specific ecological niches. This long-standing evolutionary presence and the variety of available habitats have allowed for extensive speciation across the region.3421