shrews in Ireland

green jay

I know pygmy shrews can be found in Ireland. I am wondering how common are they and are they on the increase? Since April several have turned up in our garden. In a couple of cases our dogs were witnessed killing them, some were just found dead. I have lived in a rural area all my life and this it the first time I have seen them. I am wondering if anyone else has come across them. My location is the S.E.

rpmcmurphy

I encounter them regularly over the winter on my dad's farm when the cattle are housed. They hide under the up-tuned troughs used to feed meal to the cattle. I presume feeding on the residue etc. I also carried out a woodland study for a college course this year and came across a few in coniferous woodland. I am based in Leitrim.

green jay

Thanks, rpmcmurphy I was beginning to think we were unique. What you say about the cattle trough makes sense as they seem to concentrate around our compost area. We also have quite a few trees and shrubs which would also provide feeding. Thanks again

flutered

our cats are constantly bringing them to the door, i am in co. limerick.

210

check out biodiversity irelands website at

http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/biodiversity-data/access-biodiversity-data/


and biodiversity maps for the shrew

http://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/SpeciesGroup/52/Species/119275?FullDictionary=false&UseCommonNames=false

210

You can also log your local sightings to add to the maps with a phone app,


http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/biodiversity-recording-app-released/

green jay

Thanks folks. I see from the maps we live in an area of fairly high density which I didn't realise. Learn something new every day.
Our dogs are evidently substituting for the cats in Limerick.

blue5000

Have them here in N Tipp as well.

green jay

close enough I see from map link sent by 210 we are in same general area