Great East African mole: Tachyoryctes macrocephalus
A rodent family, rodents.
Also known as the big-headed mole, giant root rat, Ethiopian African mole rat or giant mole rat.
Approximate distribution:
They are endemic to the Bel Mountains of Ethiopia and their natural habitat is subtropical or tropical high-altitude grasslands. Mountainous steppe and shrubland.
In this area, the density can reach 2600 animals per square kilometer.
Approximate appearance:
The big-headed mole rat is large. As the name suggests, especially the head.
The weight is roughly 160~930g, and the length is about 160~313mm. Life expectancy is about 1~3 years.
Sex dimorphism, the male of this species is significantly greater than the female.
They have soft, mottled golden-brown hair. There are small paws and short, powerful legs.
The tail is long and usually covered with fur.
Life habits:
The big-headed mole rat is a solitary burrowing animal with a strong sense of territory.
Their underground burrows, including body nests, food pantries and toilets.
Most of the day, about 79%, is spent in underground nests. You can hide from the extreme heat of the Kalahari Desert.
These moles are active during the day and do not hibernate.
While other mole rats not only live underground but also forage underground, this species feeds mainly on the ground.
Due to the threat of predators.
Ethiopian wolves, in particular, feed exclusively on various moles. They will be captured by ambush after the moles have built a new tunnel.
The big-headed moles retained their expertise in digging tunnels. They usually dig a new tunnel to reach a new meadow.
In addition, the big-headed mole rat has also evolved different forms of defense. They are very cautious and ready to attack potential predators with their front teeth.
Foraging:
The big-headed mole rat is a herbivore (whole leaf animal).
They feed mainly on bulbs, grasses and herbs, while individuals feed mainly on roots.
Because their lips grow behind their front teeth, this allows them to dig without swallowing sand.
But it also makes it impossible for them to drink water. So they have to draw the required water from the bulbs.
Reproductive aspects:
Little is known about the mating system of big-headed moles, only that they are polygamous.
Because males and females meet only for reproduction.
The breeding season is perennial, with a peak during the rainy season.
1 to 2 pups (occasionally 1 to 4) are born, and the pups begin to become fully independent after about 50 days of female feeding.
Young big-headed moles can reach reproductive maturity when they are 4~6 months old.
Protection Status:
Threatened by habitat loss due to overgrazing of livestock.
Currently, the species is listed as endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List of the IUCN and its number is declining.
It's really ugly and ugly...
Laughing to death, the flesh dut looked dull.
I am the strange cloud hidden wind monography, we will see you in the next issue ~