This species has been recorded in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In Kenya, it is only known from the Kapiti plains, Taita Hills and south coastal Kenya. In Tanzania, it is known from south of Biharamulo in the northwest, throughout the Eastern Arc Mountains, and by a record from the Ufipa Plateau in southwestern Tanzania. It is widespread in Malawi, but has only been recorded from eastern Zambia. It is also present in northern Mozambique and the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Reports of this species from Zimbabwe are in error as it has not been recorded from south of the Zambezi River. It is found at elevations of up to 2,200 m asl.

Type for Heliophobius argenteocinereus
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Division of Mammals
Sex/Stage: Female;
Preparation: Skin; Skull
Collector(s): J. Loring
Year Collected: 1909
Locality: Potha, Kapiti Plains, Kenya, Africa

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Terrestrial

Observations: Little is known about the longevity of these animals, and very few have been kept in captivity. Two males captured as adults in the wild were at least 7.5 years old when they died in captivity, but probably older. None of them showed signs of ageing (Radim Sumbera, pers. comm.). Therefore, the maximum longevity of this species is unknown.

Population

Population Trend

Major Threats

Conservation Actions