Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of insectivorous mammal, a white-toothed shrew, from Narcondam Island of the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands. The species Crocidura narcondamica is a new addition to the list of mammals found in the country. “This is the first discovery of a shrew from this volcanic island (Narcondam Island) and it increases the number of White-toothed shrew (genus Crocidura) species in India from 11to 12,” said Chandrakasan Sivaperuman, Scientist and Officer-in-Charge, at ZSI, Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre. “The new white-toothed shrew species is named after the type locality, Narcondam Island regarded as a volcanic island situated in the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago, India: Narcondam Shrew Crocidura norcondamica,” the Ministry tweeted from its official handle. Narcondam Island is located about 130 km east of North Andaman, and about 446 km of the west coast of Myanmar.

Source: The Hindu May 04, 2021 08:10 UTC