Namaqua dune mole rat

Introduction: Little is known or has been studied about the Namaqua dune mole rat (Bathyergus janetta). It has strong clawed forefeet and grooved upper incisors, enabling it to burrow comfortably in sandy soils in arid regions, watered by a certain amount of seepage, making the soil easier to work with. As a result of their efforts, large pyramid-shaped mounds are formed, which can endure an entire dry season.

Distribution: A patchy distribution from 90km north of Oranjemund on the Orange River, mainly in mining areas. Burrows are frequently destroyed due to mining operations.

Diet: After rainfall, above ground vegetation such as daisies and grasses, succulents and underground storage supplies such as organs of plants

Colouring: The sides of the body have a silvery sheen with a darker band along the top of the head, back and underside. The nose is white chin stripes and a white head spot may occur.

Breeding: A winter breeder, average litter sizes are 2 or 3 pups

Weight: 450g