Scientific Name
Chlorotalpa sclateri
Common Names
Classification
Close Relatives
The Sclater’s Golden Mole is a small mammal. It was listed in 2003 as a vulnerable species. Their decreasing numbers are due to habitat clearance or destruction and preyed upon by domesticated cats and dogs.
Sclater’s Golden Mole range between about 8 and 11 cms in length. They weigh on average between 40 and 75 grams. They have shiny brown hair, with a tint of red on the sides.
Like most golden moles, they need to keep on the move or their body temperature will raise rapidly. Whilst sleeping, their body twitches which keeps their body temperature up.
They are a burrowing animal, and spend the majority of their time underground.
Golden moles have an amazingly efficient kidney. Some species do not need to drink water at all.