GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Water Shrew (Sorex palustris)

Species Code: SOPAL

Legend: = Core Habitat = Marginal Habitat Breeding Range Map The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Click to enlarge distribution map Map with historical museum records Other maps & Information: NatureMapping observations throughout the year

The primary habitat requirements are cold, clear water in small streams and ponds with abundant cover, such as overhanging banks, holes in banks, overhanging vegetation or rocks. These conditions are most frequently met in the Canadian and Hudsonian zones along fast moving streams and ponds. Found to sea level if the mountains are close enough to the sea that small, cold streams reach the coast.

Found in all regions except the Columbia Basin. Core zones were: Alpine/Parkland, Sub-alpine Fir, Mountain Hemlock, Silver Fir, Western Hemlock, Interior Redcedar, and Grand Fir. In high elevation zones (Silver Fir and up) water/wetlands were good habitats. Non-forested and forested zones were "contingently suitable" dependent on the availability of appropriate microhabitats i.e. cold, clear streams.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Mammal Volume by Dave Lester
Webpage designed by Dave Lester