Laxmann's Shrew vs least weasel

Sorex caecutiens compared with Mustela nivalis

Key Differences

• Laxmann's Shrew is Least Concern while least weasel is Near Threatened.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Laxmann's Shrew	least weasel
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class same	Mammalia (Mammals)	Mammalia (Mammals)
Order	Soricomorpha (Soricomorpha)	Carnivora (Carnivorans)
Family	Soricidae	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)
Genus	Sorex	Mustela
Species	Sorex caecutiens	Mustela nivalis

Evolutionary Relationship

Laxmann's Shrew and least weasel share a common ancestor at the Class level: Mammalia. (Mammals)

Conservation Status

Laxmann's Shrew

LC — Least Concern

least weasel

NT — Near Threatened

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Laxmann's Shrew	least weasel
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Laxmann's Shrew

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Norway, Russia, and Sweden.

least weasel

Habitat

Found across multiple habitat types including temperate broadleaf and mixed forests, tundra, and tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, among 4 distinct biome types spanning the Australasia and Oceanian and Palearctic realms.

Range

Widely distributed across Africa (Sao Tome and Principe), Asia (Cyprus), Europe (11 countries), and Oceania and the Pacific (New Zealand). Listed as Near Threatened, this species requires ongoing monitoring to prevent population decline.

least weasel

least weasel (Mustela nivalis) is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List. Close to qualifying as threatened, with populations that may become vulnerable without conservation action.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 3 countries:

🇳🇴 Norway 🇷🇺 Russia 🇸🇪 Sweden