Scientific Name
Amblysomus julianae
Common Names
Classification
Close Relatives
The Juliana’s Golden Mole is a small native mammal. It was listed in 2003 as a critically endangered species. This particular species is endemic to South Africa. Their decreasing numbers are due to habitat clearance or destruction and preyed upon by domesticated cats and dogs.
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 in general range in size between 8 cm to 20 cms.
Golden moles have an amazingly efficient kidney. Some species do not need to drink water at all.