Marsupial mole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marsupial molesTemporal range: Miocene to Recent
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Notoryctemorphia
Kirsch, in Hunsaker, 1977
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Notoryctidae
Ogilby, 1892
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Notoryctes
Stirling, 1891
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Marsupial moles are amazing creatures that live mostly underground. They are a special type of marsupial, just like kangaroos or koalas. This means the mothers carry their babies in a pouch! There are only two kinds of marsupial moles left in the world. They are called the Southern Marsupial Mole (Notoryctes typhlops) and the Northern Marsupial Mole (Notoryctes caurinus).
What are Marsupial Moles?
Marsupial moles are very rare mammals. They are hard to find because they spend almost all their lives digging tunnels. These unique animals live in the sandy deserts of Western Australia.
Life Underground
These moles are perfectly built for life beneath the ground. They are blind because their eyes have become tiny, hidden lenses under their skin. They also do not have outside ears. Instead, they have small holes hidden by their thick fur.
When they dig, they do not leave open tunnels behind them. They fill the tunnel with sand as they move forward. This helps them move quickly through the loose desert soil. They usually only come to the surface after it rains.
