Publisher's Synopsis
There are some 266 species of shrew in 20 genera. In terms of mammalian evolution they are relatively primitive although existing species exhibit some interesting specializations. By necessity, shrews are voracious hunters with a high metabolic rate. Ever active and foraging, most shrews are terrestrial, though there are aquatic species.;In this reference work the author examines in great detail the life cycle and breeding biology of shrews. In particular, she concentrates on social organization, foraging behaviour and energetics. As with other volumes in the Mammal Series, she draws together a rich diversity of information, much of it from her own research.
