Zwergspitzmaus vs Wasserspitzmaus

Sorex minutus compared with Neomys fodiens

Key Differences

• Zwergspitzmaus is Vulnerable while Wasserspitzmaus is Endangered.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Zwergspitzmaus	Wasserspitzmaus
Kingdom same	Animalia (Tier)	Animalia (Tier)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordatiere)	Chordata (Chordatiere)
Class same	Mammalia (Säugetiere)	Mammalia (Säugetiere)
Order same	Soricomorpha (Soricomorpha)	Soricomorpha (Soricomorpha)
Family same	Soricidae	Soricidae
Genus	Sorex	Neomys
Species	Sorex minutus	Neomys fodiens

Evolutionary Relationship

Zwergspitzmaus and Wasserspitzmaus share a common ancestor at the Family level: Soricidae.

Conservation Status

Zwergspitzmaus

VU — Vulnerable

Wasserspitzmaus

EN — Endangered

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Zwergspitzmaus	Wasserspitzmaus
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Zwergspitzmaus

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Range

Found across Europe (6 countries). Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Wasserspitzmaus

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Russia, and Sweden. Currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Zwergspitzmaus

Eurasian pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus) is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List. Facing a high risk of endangerment in the wild, with declining populations and increasing habitat pressure.

Wasserspitzmaus

Eurasian water shrew (Neomys fodiens) is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List. At high risk of extinction in the wild, with significant population decline and ongoing threats to survival.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 5 countries:

🇧🇪 Belgium 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇳🇴 Norway 🇷🇺 Russia 🇸🇪 Sweden