The desperate shrew has long, dense grayish-brown fur and long claws that may aid digging. It is known from a few high-mountain localities in southern Tanzania.
It is a medium-sized shrew with long, dense, woolly grayish-brown fur and a pale gray underside. Its tail is relatively long and two-colored, and its claws are well developed.
It is recorded above 2,000 m in bamboo zones and relict montane forest. Long claws and other body traits suggest it may dig, while its elongated incisors suggest earthworms may be part of its diet; both are hypotheses.
IUCN Red List · Vulnerable (VU) · Global