Oriental water shrew

mammal

Also known as: Chimarrogale

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

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The Oriental water shrew is a type of amphibious mammal belonging to the shrew family. These shrews are adapted for life in or near swift-flowing streams and rivers. They possess a broad muzzle, large chest, and long hind legs, with specialized fur that traps air for insulation and water repellency.

Water shrews primarily use their sensitive whiskers to locate prey underwater, as their sense of smell, sight, and hearing are less developed. The genus Chimarrogale includes several species of Oriental water shrews. While they are not true shrews, otter shrews (subfamily Potamogalinae) are also amphibious insectivores found in tropical Africa and share some similar adaptations.123

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water shrew
…there are several species of Oriental water shrews (genus Chimarrogale) and three species of Old World water shrews (genus Neomys). All are classified in the family Soricidae of the order Soricimorpha, which belongs to a larger group of mammals referred to as insectivores.
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…there are several species of Oriental water shrews (genus Chimarrogale) and three species of Old World water shrews (genus Neomys). All are classified in the family Soricidae of the order Soricimorpha, which belongs to a larger group of mammals referred to as insectivores.
Read More