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The house shrew is widely distributed in Flanders. It is present in nearly all (93 %) squares searched by owl pellets or mice traps. Regions with no sightings are more likely a consequence of lack of research than of absence of the species. In 1964-70 the house shrew was also present in nearly all researched squares (91 %), so the distribution has not or hardly changed.Yet, the percentage of house shrews found in barn owl pellets is more than twice as high as in 1964-70.This relative increase may be the consequence of an increase in the numbers of common shrews, or a decrease in the numbers of other shrew species. The simultaneous decline of the common/Jersey shrew indicates that the house shrew may have replaced the common/Jersey shrew, possibly due to increased human impact.
This website is the online version of Verkem, S., De Maeseneer, J. Vandendriessche, B., Verbeylen, G. & Yskout, S. (2003). Zoogdieren in Vlaanderen. Ecologie en verspreiding van 1987 tot 2002. Natuurpunt Studie & JNM-Zoogdierenwerkgroep, Mechelen & Gent, België
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