Golden Mole

Golden mole is a small mammal of the Chrysochloridae family. There are 21 species of the golden moles. All of them are endemic (live only there and nowhere else) to South Africa. They can be found only in the Pretoria, the Nylsvley region and southwestern parts of the Kruger National Park. Golden moles live underground in the sandy soil under grasslands with scattered trees and bushes (also known as bushveld). 11 out of 25 species of golden moles are endangered due to habitat loss (and/or destruction) and because they are often killed by cats and dogs. Golden mole is a tiny creature. It reaches 3.9 inches in length and 1.23 ounces of weight. Body of the golden mole is covered with silky cinnamon-brown fur that is getting darker toward the back and paler toward the belly. Golden moles are highly specialized for the underground life. They have muscular shoulders and short, but strong legs, equipped with curved claws, designed for digging of the tunnels. Webbed hind legs allow shoveling in backwards. Species of golden moles which live in desert area "swim" through the loose sand and form visible ridges on the surface of the sand. Those that inhabit more compact terrains dig permanent underground burrows, which are complex and consist of deep chambers designated for the rest and for the personal hygiene (something like toilets). Recent genetic analyses showed that golden moles belong to the ancient group of African mammals, called Afrotheria. Golden moles are more closely related to elephants, hyraxes and sea cows than with the true moles.