Negev shrew

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Negev shrew (Crocidura ramona), also known as Ramon’s shrew, is a small gray mammal in the shrew family. It was first described in 1996 and is known only from Israel.

Where it lives
The Negev shrew has been found in three places in Israel: Mizpe Ramon and Sede Boqer in the Negev Desert, and Sartaber at the northern edge of the Judean Desert. It may occur in other nearby areas too, possibly in Jordan, but this has not been well studied.

What it looks like
It is a small, light gray shrew with a slightly lighter belly.

Habitat
It likes rocky desert areas, especially near dry riverbeds with plants such as Retama, Tamarix, or dense Atriplex. It is found at elevations between about 200 and 950 meters above sea level.

Population and threats
Only about seven specimens have been collected, so the species is considered rare. There are no known major threats, and it is listed as Least Concern. However, more data on its range and population would help confirm this status. In some years (1999–2006) no shrews were found, likely due to low rainfall affecting populations or trapping.

Other notes
In surveys, no other Crocidura species were found near it; the only other shrew spotted nearby was Suncus etruscus. The Negev shrew has been found in five of six known localities, and several sites are in protected areas.