Shrews from Moist Temperate Forests of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

The soricidae family comprises of nearly 23 genera out of which approximately 200 species have been associated with the Eurasian region (IUCN, 1995). A lot of ambiguity surrounds this family, especially where taxonomic classification is concerned; also, not much is known about their geographic location. Five protected parks from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) were explored for population trend studies of family soricidae. Dhirkot Nature Reserve (DNR) was observed in February, 2008, Banjosa Nature Reserve (BNR) in May-June, 2009, Tolipir National Park (TNP) in April to May, 2008, Pir Chanasi National Park (PCNP) in April to May, 2010 and Pir Lasura National Park (PLNP) from June to July, 2009. Only four species belonging to the soricidae family were found; Suncus etruscus, Suncus murinus, Sorex minutus thibetanus and Crocidura pullata. The Asiatic white toothed shrew was only observed in PCNP, DNR and BNR. Suncus murinus was only observed in PCNP. Sorex minutus thibetanus was only observed in Banjosa Nature Reserve. Suncus etruscus was only observed from DNR and BNR.