Largest species of shrew. Total length 16cm - tail 5 -6cm - weight 22-27g. Reddish-brown with brownish grey underparts. Needs a moist habitat with dense vegetation - and usually associated with broken or mountainous areas. Mainly nocturnal but active in spells throughtout the day and night. Feeds mainly on insects but also takes small rodents. Breeds in cup-shaped nests in tussocks or rock crevices. Lateral glands - used for scent marking - omit a strong odour.