Description of two new species of white-toothed shrews belonging to the genus Crocidura (Soricomorpha: Soricidae) from Ngoc Linh Mountain, Vietnam

Abstract

Two new species of white-toothed shrews, Crocidura zaitsevi and C. sokolovi are described from Ngoc Linh Mountain (Kon Tum Province, Vietnam). Comparisons are provided with other species of Crocidura known to occur in Vietnam. Crocidura zaitsevi is very small in size, comparable only to C. kegoensis described from Central Vietnam and distinguished by its moderately long tail and cranial features. Crocidura sokolovi is similar in size to C. attenuata but differs in pelage colour, relatively longer tail, and cranial and dental features. Both new species are currently known only from Ngoc Linh Mountain.