Gunning's golden mole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gunning’s golden mole |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Afrosoricida |
| Family: | Chrysochloridae |
| Genus: | Neamblysomus |
| Species: |
N. gunningi
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| Binomial name | |
| Neamblysomus gunningi (Broom, 1908)
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| Gunning's golden mole range | |
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| Synonyms | |
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Amblysomus gunningi |
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Gunning's golden mole (Neamblysomus gunningi) is a small, furry animal that lives only in South Africa. It's a special kind of mole that spends most of its life digging tunnels underground. Sadly, since 2006, it has been listed as an endangered species. This means there aren't many left in the wild. Their numbers are shrinking because they are losing their homes and are sometimes hunted by pet cats and dogs.
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What Does Gunning's Golden Mole Look Like?
This mole has a dark golden-brown fur on its back. It shimmers slightly in the light. Its belly is a lighter brown with a golden shine. It has a compact, sleek body. Its head is shaped like a wedge, and it has a pointed nose.
Strong Digging Claws
Gunning's golden mole has very strong shoulders. Its front legs are short and powerful, perfect for digging. It has strong claws, especially its third claw, which is extra large. The hind feet have all five toes. They are even webbed, which helps the mole push soil backward efficiently.
Hidden Eyes and Ears
You won't see its ears, as they are hidden deep in its thick fur. Its tiny eyes are also covered by hairy skin. This helps protect them while digging underground. These moles are usually between 11 and 13 centimeters long. Males weigh about 56 to 70 grams, while females are a bit lighter, weighing 39 to 56 grams.
How Does This Mole Live?
Golden moles have a very fast metabolism. This means their bodies use energy quickly. They can enter a special state called torpor when it gets cold. This is like a deep sleep that helps them save energy. It allows them to survive when temperatures drop and food is hard to find.
Underground Homes
When these moles dig close to the surface, they create raised ridges of soil. You can often see these ridges above ground. They also have deeper tunnels. These deeper tunnels are used for resting and for raising their young.
What Do They Eat?
Gunning's golden moles mostly eat earthworms. They also enjoy insect larvae and other small invertebrates. These are tiny creatures without backbones.
Where Does Gunning's Golden Mole Live?
This special mole is only found in a small area of South Africa. It lives in the far northern Drakensberg mountains. Specifically, it has been seen in Woodbush Forest and New Agatha Forest Reserve. Both of these places are in the Limpopo Province.
Preferred Habitat
Gunning's golden mole lives in montane forests and grasslands. It can also be found in cultivated farmland and young pine plantations. It especially likes moist soil near streams and ponds.
Why Is It Endangered?
Because it lives in such a small area, this mole is very sensitive to human activities. Any harmful actions in its habitat can seriously affect its survival. This is why it is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List.
