Yellow golden mole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yellow golden mole |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Calcochloris
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| Species: |
obtusirostris
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| Yellow golden mole range | |
| Synonyms | |
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Calcochloris antedates |
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The yellow golden mole (Calcochloris obtusirostris) is a small, unique mammal that lives underground. It belongs to a special group of animals called Chrysochloridae, which are known for their shiny fur and amazing digging skills. These moles are not like the common moles you might know; they are only found in parts of Africa.
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What is a Yellow Golden Mole?
The yellow golden mole gets its name from its beautiful, yellowish-brown fur that can look golden in certain light. It has a very strong, pointed snout that helps it dig through soil. Its eyes are covered by skin, and its ears are tiny, hidden under its fur. This is because they live mostly underground and don't need to see or hear like animals above ground. They use their other senses, like touch and smell, to find their way around.
Where Do Yellow Golden Moles Live?
These fascinating creatures are found in southern Africa. You can find them in countries like Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. They are quite adaptable and can live in many different places.
Favorite Habitats
Yellow golden moles prefer areas with soft soil where they can easily dig. Their natural homes include:
- Dry and moist tropical forests
- Dry and moist savanna grasslands
- Farm fields and pastureland
- Plantations (like tree farms)
- Even gardens in rural areas
They often dig their tunnels and nests at the base of trees, where the soil might be a bit softer or more protected.
What Do Yellow Golden Moles Eat?
Yellow golden moles are expert hunters underground. They use their excellent sense of smell and touch to find food hidden in the soil. Their diet mainly consists of small creatures they find while tunneling.
Underground Meals
Their favorite foods include:
- Insects like beetles and their larvae
- Other small bugs
- Tiny lizards that might be hiding in the soil
- Flies and other small invertebrates
They are always on the lookout for their next meal as they dig their way through the earth.
How Do Yellow Golden Moles Live?
Yellow golden moles are mostly solitary animals, meaning they live alone. They spend almost all their lives underground, digging complex networks of tunnels. These tunnels serve as their highways for hunting and their homes for resting.
Digging and Nesting
They are incredibly fast and efficient diggers. Their strong claws and powerful front limbs are perfectly designed for moving soil. When they are not searching for food, they create special underground nests. These nests are usually lined with grass or leaves, providing a safe and cozy place to rest and raise their young.
Are Yellow Golden Moles in Danger?
The yellow golden mole is currently listed as "Near Threatened" (NT) by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). This means that while they are not in immediate danger of disappearing, their numbers are decreasing, and they could become threatened in the future.
Why Are They "Near Threatened"?
The main reasons their numbers are dropping include:
- Habitat loss: As human populations grow, more land is used for farming, buildings, and other developments. This destroys the forests, grasslands, and other areas where golden moles live.
- Pesticides: Chemicals used in farming can harm the insects and other small creatures that golden moles eat, making it harder for them to find food.
Conservation efforts are important to protect their habitats and ensure these unique moles continue to thrive.
Images for kids
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A close-up of a yellow golden mole.
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Map showing the areas where yellow golden moles live.
