Small-toothed Mole – Euroscaptor parvidens – (Miller, 1940)

Science name: Euroscaptor parvidens – (Miller, 1940)

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Mammalia>> Soricomorpha >> Talpidae >> parvidens

Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: LC (Least Concern)

Description:

Physical Characteristics:

The Euroscaptor parvidens (Small-toothed Mole) is known for its elongated, streamlined body, which allows it to live a fully fossorial lifestyle (completely underground).
It has a smaller body circumference than other related species, such as Euroscaptor subanura, but tends to have a longer body length than species like Euroscaptor kuznetsovi and Euroscaptor orlovi.
The tail is short, ranging from 3.54% to 6.92% of its body length, and is covered with dense fur, making it hard to spot externally.
E. parvidens is also characterized by its narrow, small molars. The upper molars have sharp protocones in the middle, and the lower molars feature five distinct cusps.
Its body is covered in velvety, dark-colored fur (typically black or gray), which provides excellent insulation for its underground lifestyle. The limbs are short, stout, and well-adapted for digging, with powerful claws and flexible wrists that can rotate 180 degrees, allowing the mole to efficiently dig in any direction.
Teeth and Skull:

The dental formula for E. parvidens is: 3/3, 1/1, 4/4, 3/3 x 2 = 44. Its upper molars have sharp, central protocones, while its lower molars possess five distinct cusps, making the species uniquely adapted for an insectivorous diet.

Distribution and habitat:

Altitude:
The Euroscaptor parvidens has been recorded at elevations of around 800 meters above sea level.

Range:
This species is known from three widely separated locations: the Di Linh Plateau in Lam Dong Province, southern Vietnam (the type locality), Rakho in Bac Kan Province, northern Vietnam, and southern Yunnan, China, near the border with Vietnam. There are suggestions that E. parvidens could occur more widely across Vietnam, though this is yet to be confirmed through additional surveys.

Habitat:
Crocidura parvidens is believed to inhabit forested environments, though there is limited certainty about this. The holotype was collected near a stream, suggesting a potential preference for moist forest habitats at higher elevations. The species is likely associated with subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests, but this needs to be verified through further ecological studies.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle:
The Small-toothed Mole is completely fossorial, spending its entire life underground. It creates a network of tunnels and chambers used for foraging and protection. The mole is adept at navigating through the soil, using its strong forelimbs and claws to dig tunnels efficiently.

Diet:
E. parvidens is likely insectivorous, feeding on earthworms, insects, and other small invertebrates found within the soil.

Reproduction:
Although specific details about the reproductive habits of E. parvidens remain unknown, moles of the genus Euroscaptor generally breed in underground nests and give birth to several young after a short gestation period. The young are typically blind and dependent on the mother for the first few weeks of life.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Euroscaptor parvidens is listed as “Data Deficient” by the IUCN due to a lack of sufficient information about its population, distribution, and ecology. The species was last assessed in 2015, and further research is needed to better understand its conservation needs.

Threats:
Habitat loss is the primary threat to E. parvidens. Deforestation and land conversion for agriculture in Vietnam, particularly in the highlands where it is known to occur, are key factors that may contribute to the decline of suitable habitats for this species.

Conservation Actions:
Further research is needed to assess the population size, distribution, and ecological requirements of Euroscaptor parvidens. Conservation measures that focus on protecting forest habitats in the Di Linh Plateau and other regions of Vietnam where it may occur are essential for the survival of this species.