The study of the fauna of the shrews of Armenia and their parasites

Soricomorpha, an ancient and distinct group of small mammals, play a crucial role in ecosystems and are highly sensitive to environmental changes, particularly those driven by human economic activities. Soricomorpha are essential in various food chains throughout the year, particularly in detrital food chains, significantly impacting invertebrate geobionts, stratobionts, and herpetobionts. This project aims to investigate the species composition of Soricomorpha, clarify their taxonomic status, and study their parasites and associated diseases. Special focus will be given to the Armenian white-toothed shrew (Crocidura armenica), an endemic species of the Armenian highlands, whose status remains controversial despite previous descriptions. Additionally, some species of Soricomorpha are synanthropic, thriving even in high-rise residential buildings. Understanding their parasites and the diseases they spread is urgent and of significant epidemiological importance. Research will combine field and laboratory work, employing modern techniques. Molecular methods will help to identify various species, clarify their status, and identify their parasites.