Sclater's golden mole facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sclater'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: | Chlorotalpa |
| Species: |
C. sclateri
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| Binomial name | |
| Chlorotalpa sclateri (Broom, 1907)
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| Subspecies | |
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Chlorotalpa sclateri guillarmodi |
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| Sclater's golden mole range | |
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| Synonyms | |
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Amblysomus sclateri |
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The Sclater's golden mole (Chlorotalpa sclateri) is a small, burrowing mammal. It belongs to the Chrysochloridae family, which are known as golden moles. You can find this unique animal in parts of Lesotho and South Africa.
These moles live in many different places. Their homes include dry, high-altitude shrubland and grassy areas. They also live in gardens and even some city areas. The International Union for Conservation of Nature says this species is of "least concern". This means it is not currently at high risk of disappearing.
What It Looks Like
This golden mole is quite small and has a stocky body. It grows to about 100 millimeters (4 inches) long. Male moles are usually a little bigger than females.
Its face has creamy-yellow marks around its chin and eyes. These marks even go across the bridge of its nose. The fur on its back is a shiny, reddish-brown color. There is often a darker stripe running down its spine. Its belly is a dull gray with a hint of red. Sclater's golden moles have slender front feet. They do not have a tail.
Where It Lives and Its Home
Sclater's golden mole lives only in southern Africa. This means it is endemic to that region. You can find it in South Africa and Lesotho.
It prefers to live in grasslands that are high up in the mountains. It also lives in scrubland and forested valleys called kloofs. There are four different types, or subspecies, of Sclater's golden mole. Scientists are still learning exactly where each type lives. Often, mountains or other natural barriers separate them.
How It Lives and What It Eats
Adult Sclater's golden moles usually live alone. Their slender claws mean they can only dig tunnels in soft soil. They dig a main tunnel where they make their nest. Around this, they dig long, shallow tunnels. They use these tunnels to search for food.
They mostly eat small creatures without backbones. These include earthworms and grubs. They breed during the wet season, which is in December and January. This is when there is more food available for them.
 | Selma Burke |
 | Pauline Powell Burns |
 | Frederick J. Brown |
 | Robert Blackburn |
