The Asian house shrew (Suncus murinus), also known as the ‘Common musk shrew,’ is the largest of the ten shrew species found in Sri Lanka. It is named for the strong musky odor it emits from the musk glands located on its flanks. Like all shrews, it has a long, pointed, and mobile snout with sensory hairs that help detect prey in the dark, such as worms, small lizards, geckos, insects, and spiders. This species inhabits built environments, commonly observed in homes, towns and cities throughout the island.