Tunnel System Made by the Long-Clawed Shrew in a Laboratory Condition

Tunnel construction by captive long-clawed shrews (Sorex unguiculatus) was investigated in an experimental cage designed for the observation of subterranean activity. Five subadult individuals were observed constructing tunnel systems in the experimental cage, but one newborn individual could not make a complex system. The tunnel system consisted of two parts: the main burrows at a depth of approximately 20–30 cm from the ground surface and surface runways at a depth of 3–7 cm. In a tunnel system, there were 2–4 permanent vertical passages with entrances to the ground surface and 3–5 blind chambers and burrows. To complete the tunnel system construction, a shrew usually spent 5–6 days. Two types of digging were recognized: (1) digging surface runways and short vertical passages and (2) digging deep tunnels. Published online 5 August, 2024; Print publication 31 October, 2024