Astute, detailed description of small mammal (5)

I believe the answer is:

shrew

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'description of small mammal' is the definition.
'shrew' can be an answer for 'mammal' (shrew is a kind of mammal). I'm not certain of the 'description of small' bit.

'astute detailed' is the wordplay.
'astute' becomes 'shrewd' (synonyms).
'detailed' means to remove the last letter (the word must be end-less or 'de-tailed').
'shrewd' with its final letter taken off is 'SHREW'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shrew that I've seen before include "Vixen" , "Mouselike mammal with long snout" , "Small insectivore" , "Insectivorous mammal" , "Mouse-like creature" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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