Abstract
The southeastern shrew (Sorex longirostris longirostris) is considered uncommon and, due to a lack of knowledge, a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Arkansas. Also, eastern Arkansas may represent a gap in the species’ distribution. Therefore, we evaluated persistence at previous capture sites, surveyed additional counties, quantified microhabitat at our capture locations, and compiled occurrences. Since Sealander and Heidt’s (1990) Arkansas Mammals detailed its occurrence, additional captures by Huston and Nelson (1994), Showen (2006), and this study document new counties (Pope and Searcy) and a new ecoregion (Arkansas Valley). Number of specimens in Arkansas has increased to 17 in 11 counties within the Ozark Highlands, Boston Mountains, Ouachita Mountains, and Arkansas Valley Ecoregions. Our efforts to assess a potential distribution gap within the Mississippi Alluvial Plain produced only specimens of other shrew species; therefore, possible factors affecting connectivity across the Mississippi Alluvial Plain and river basin are discussed. Given sparse records in Arkansas, uncommon and Species of Greatest Conservation Need designations are warranted for the southeastern shrew.
Recommended Citation
Mikel, G. A.; Heidt, Gary A.; and Clark, David W.
(2010)
"Distribution of the Southeastern Shrew (Sorex longirostris longirostris) in Arkansas,"
Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 64, Article 20.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol64/iss1/20
