Water Shrew

Status

Water shrews occur throughout Britain although they are not common. They are very elusive and are therefore difficult to survey as a result there are very few records available to assess whether the species is declining.

Ecology

Water shrews are found close to clear unpolluted water courses and water bodies with well vegetated banks, although have also been found in woodlands, grassland and hedgerows.

Protection Under UK Legislation

Water shrews are protected under Schedule 6 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is an offence to damage/destroy a place of water shrew shelter/protection and to disturb a water shrew while in a place of shelter.

Survey Methods

There are a number of techniques for the surveying of water shrew which can be carried out at any time of the year, although surveys are most successful in the summer and autumn periods. Survey methods can involve the following techniques:

Refugia – the survey involves the placement of refugia consisting of sheets of roofing felt measuring approximately 50cm2 within suitable habitat along the edge of water course/body. The refugia warm faster than the surrounding environment and water shrews use them to warm their bodies and shelter.

The refugia are then inspected by a qualified ecologist at regular intervals during warm but not hot conditions, usually when there is some cloud cover with sunny spells

Baited Refugia – this survey technique using the same procedure as above although in addition bate is placed under each refugia on a white sheet or white plastic lid. When small mammals eat the bait, scats are usually produced which will be clearly visible against the white of the sheet/lid. The scats are then collected and analysed to confirm species presence/absence. An alternative to refugia is the use of bait tubes which relies on the same principals as the baited refugia.

Links

The Mammal Society

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