Cryptomys hottentotus
| Common mole-rat | |
|---|---|
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| Cryptomys hottentotus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Bathyergidae |
| Genus: | Cryptomys |
| Species: | C. hottentotus |
| Binomial name | |
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Cryptomys hottentotus (Lesson, 1826) |
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The common mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus) is a burrowing rodent found in Southern Africa, in particular in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It also occurs in Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.Cryptomys hottentotus is a species in the subfamily Bathyerginae.
Typically the body of a mature specimen of Cryptomys hottentotus may be as short as 10.5 to as long as 16.5 cm; the tail may be 1.2 to 3.8 cm. The fur is thick and evenly colored, usually grey or brown. In some specimens there is white spot on the head. The shape of the body is cylindrical with short appendages. Common mole rats have ungrooved chisel-like incisors that are used for digging as well as for feeding and fighting.
Common mole-rats form colonies, essentially family groups with the largest female and male being the only reproductive pair. Mating begins in September and October. During courtship the female raises her tail and allows the mate to smell her genital region. The male then gently chews on her hind region, mounts and mates. The birth of offspring is restricted to the southern hemisphere summer, during which there may be one or two litters of up to five pups. The gestation period is about 81 days. The average age at reproductive maturity is about 450 days. Females maintain reproductive function during non-reproductive months.
Common mole-rats are fossorial and can live in a wide range of substrates. They are herbivorous, mainly eating geophytes (plants with underground storage organs) and grass rhizomes. Common mole-rats are very widespread, thus their abundance is not well known. This species shows signs of localization due to soil requirements. The pattern of burrowing systems for common mole-rats optimizes their access to food, especially gephytes. Burrowing has a negative economic impact in that it damages human property but it is also positive in that it improves soil drainage and turnover.
Common mole-rats are endothermic, having the ability to generate their own heat and keep their body temperature above ambient temperature. In arid environments they have lower individual body masses; this reduces their need for food and improves energy conservation.
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Wikipedia