Rediscovered: the elusive Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew has been recorded for the first time in 46 years

One of the Western Cape's most mysterious mammals, the Boosmansbos long-tailed forest shrew (Myosorex longicaudatus boosmani), has reappeared, 46 years after it was last documented.

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Conservationists from CapeNature, Grootvadersbosch Conservancy and Helihack, together with volunteer biologists, were ecstatic at finding one of these tiny mammals on the edge of a pristine forest patch in CapeNature’s Boosmansbos Wilderness Area.

UNIQUE SUBSPECIES

First described in 1979 by scientist Nico Dippenaar, the shrew was recognised as a unique subspecies, geographically isolated from its relatives by the Gouritz Valley.

Its limited known range, combined with forest habitat loss and climate change, led to it being listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List in 2016.

The survey took place from 3 to 6 May, with the shrew found on 4 May.