Scientific Name
Chrysospalax villosus
Common Names
Classification
Close Relatives
The Rough-haired 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. This particular species is endemic to South Africa.
The rough-haired golden moles range between about 10 and 14 cms in length. They weigh on average between 108 and 142 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.
In 1999, Nowak noted the remarkable ability this particular species has of direction. If threatened, the rough-haired golden mole would move quickly to the exact location of its burrow entrance