Shrews (Mammalia, Eulipotyphla) from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa), with a field identification key to species

In this study, we collected 226 shrew specimens originating from 16 localities on the Guinean and Liberian sides of Mount Nimba. We surveyed all major vegetation zones 400 to 1600 m above sea level (asl), including forest savannah habitats. recorded 11 species, whose identifications were confirmed by genetic analyses classical morphometrics. Furthermore, provide cytogenetic data for five these species. The community at Nimba is composed a mix both savannah- forest-dependent which related peculiar position situated transition between lowland rainforest south woodlands north. species shrews in syntopy rainforest, seven edaphic mountain forest, high-altitude asl. Based morphometric analyses, show that syntopic separate along size axis, allowing occupy different ecological niches, speculate allows them access food resources. also highlight Crocidura theresae Heim de Balsac, 1968 has karyotype described Côte d'Ivoire. Finally, develop novel identification key using external characters standard body measurements, it be used field live specimens. total 12 are now known Nimba, highlights its exceptional as tropical African biodiversity hotspot.