Elusive Boosmansbos Long-Tailed Forest Shrew Rediscovered After 46 Years
Discovery after decades
Conservationists have celebrated the first confirmed sighting of the elusive Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew (Myosorex longicaudatus boosmani) in 46 years. During a survey on CapeNature’s Boosmansbos Wilderness Area [LINK NEEDED: link to CapeNature page] from 3–6 May, a team from CapeNature, Grootvadersbosch Conservancy, Helihack and volunteer biologists captured the tiny mammal on 4 May, on the edge of a pristine forest patch.
The shrew’s history and status
First described in 1979 by scientist Nico Dippenaar, the shrew is recognised as a distinct subspecies isolated by the Gouritz Valley. Its narrow distribution, ongoing forest loss and climate change led to its 2016 listing as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List [LINK NEEDED: IUCN Red List entry]. Armed only with Dippenaar’s original field notes and habitat descriptions, the team made this their fourth attempt in as many years. Dippenaar, now retired, wished them luck and fondly referred to the species as “a bit of a darling”.
The moment of discovery
Dr Marienne de Villiers, CapeNature faunal ecologist, described the moment of discovery: “At last, I can take this little shrew off my biological bucket list. It’s been a bit like a unicorn for me – a mythical creature that I thought I would never get a chance to see in real life. And it’s really comforting to know that at least part of its population, in at least some of its forest habitat, is well-protected.”
Innovative survey methods
Previous surveys using standard live-rodent traps had yielded nothing. This year, Helihack – renowned for using helicopters to tackle invasive alien pines in remote areas [LINK NEEDED: Helihack organisation website] – airlifted the team and their gear to a campsite near the survey zone. From there, they hiked in and set 76 pitfall traps, each baited with bedding, shelter and the occasional earthworm to ensure humane treatment.
Confirmation and release
One of the final traps revealed a small mammal with a 6 cm tail and weighing just 13.7 g – unmistakably the Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew. After being measured and photographed, it was released unharmed back into its forest habitat.
Looking ahead
This rediscovery highlights the power of collaborative conservation efforts. A genetic sample will now be analysed to clarify the shrew’s relationship to lower-altitude relatives, while further research aims to uncover its life history, behavioural ecology and the size and range of its only known population. Intensive surveys of other forest patches may yet reveal more about its distribution. For now, the return of this “bit of a darling” is cause for optimism and celebration among those striving to safeguard the unique biodiversity of Boosmansbos.
This article was curated, reviewed, and verified by the Conservation Mag team. Information provided by CapeNature.
