DistributionDistribution

Distribution

Current Known (or Likely) National Distribution: Endemic to Christmas Island (closely related species occur in Java and other parts of southeast Asia)

Historical Distribution: Widespread on Christmas Island at settlement, occurring in forest on both the plateau and adjacent to the shoreline and being described as ‘very abundant’ or ‘extremely common’ (Lister 1888, Andrews 1900).

Extent and Geographic Location(s) of Populations: Currently unknown, but, on the basis of available information (Figure 1), is considered extremely rare or possibly extinct on Christmas Island.

The Christmas Island Shrew was thought to be extinct until the accidental separate finding of two individuals in 1985:

• One was found running from a bird’s nest fern that had recently fallen on to a track approximately 200m southwest of the shrine, in an area locally known as LB4 on the central plateau (approximate location: 10028’S, 105035’E) (J. Tranter, DEH, pers. comm.). This animal was kept in captivity for some twelve months.
• The second was found on a walking track 30 to 40m north of the stream at No. 1 Dale (approx.: 10028’S, 105033’E) on the west coast in the late afternoon during fine weather (P. Goh, Dept of Foreign Affairs and Trade, pers. comm.). This individual died shortly afterwards while being held in captivity (J. Tranter, DEH, pers. comm.).

Information indicating the unconfirmed capture of two other shrews in 1958 when South Point (approx.: 10033’S, 105039’E) was being cleared for mining was provided by D. Powell (pers. comm. 1997 cited in Meek 1998).

Recently reported, unconfirmed sightings, following publicity regarding the species, were at:

• the junction of the Pink House and Murray Roads (10029’S, 105038’E) (Coates, K. pers comm. 1996 cited in Meek 1998),
• the Christmas Island Resort Pool (10027’S, 105042’E) (Rochford, M. pers. comm. 1997 cited in Meek 1998), and
• Martin Point (10027’S, 105033’E) (Blackford, P. pers comm. 1997 cited in Meek 1998).

These sightings were investigated immediately by trained staff but are unlikely to have been Christmas Island shrew (P. Meek pers. comm.)

No confirmed sightings have been made since 1985, despite:

- Systematic surveys for the shrew during 1997-98 using a variety of techniques (Meek 2000).

- Recent surveys using a variety of techniques during environmental impact assessments on proposed developments (e.g. Asia Pacific Space Centre) (G. Richards, Greg Richards and Associates, pers. comm.).

- Earlier surveys (e.g. Tidemann 1988: 2036 trapnights with pitfall, Elliott and snapback traps in 1988; N. Dunlop: 1500 pitfall trapnights in 1985/1986; and H. Yorkston: 120 pitfall trap nights in 1987).