cometadata/datacite-rtg-text-other-reclassification-records huggingface dataset:
Tenrecinae Gray 1821
Creators: name: Denys, Christiane
name: Gabriel, Nadine W.
name: Lalis, Aude
name: Jenkins, Paulina
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Afrosoricida
Tenrecidae

description: TENRECINAE Gray, 1821
Two of the five species of spine-bearing tenrecs were found amongst the subfossil remains in the Children’s Cave. Both occurred in the Upper Stratum and represented a considerably smaller proportion of the remains in comparison with the smaller Oryzorictinae. They are Setifer setosus (Schreber, 1778) (NR = 7 MNI = 4) and Tenrec ecaudatus (Schreber, 1778) (NR = 10 MNI = 3). Both species are listed as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (Stephenson et al. 2016).
description: Published as part of Denys, Christiane, Gabriel, Nadine W., Lalis, Aude & Jenkins, Paulina, 2024, Subfossil rodents and tenrecs of Children's Cave, Madagascar, pp. 796-839 in Journal of Natural History 58 (25 - 28) on page 811, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2370663, http://zenodo.org/record/13219769
Setifer setosus
Creators: name: Denys, Christiane
name: Gabriel, Nadine W.
name: Lalis, Aude
name: Jenkins, Paulina
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Afrosoricida
Tenrecidae
Setifer
Setifer setosus

description: Setifer setosus (Schreber, 1778)
Attributed material: Superficial: 1 mandibular ramus. Upper Stratum: 1 maxillary fragment, 5 mandibular rami; see Appendix.
It was difficult to age these specimens in which few teeth remained in situ, but from their size, two were possibly adult.
Major collected living specimens from Antsirabe from April to early May 1895 during the same period that he was working in the Children’s Cave.
description: Published as part of Denys, Christiane, Gabriel, Nadine W., Lalis, Aude & Jenkins, Paulina, 2024, Subfossil rodents and tenrecs of Children's Cave, Madagascar, pp. 796-839 in Journal of Natural History 58 (25 - 28) on page 811, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2370663, http://zenodo.org/record/13219769
Tenrec ecaudatus
Creators: name: Denys, Christiane
name: Gabriel, Nadine W.
name: Lalis, Aude
name: Jenkins, Paulina
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Afrosoricida
Tenrecidae
Tenrec
Tenrec ecaudatus

description: Tenrec ecaudatus (Schreber, 1778)
Attributed material: Upper Stratum: 6 maxillary fragments; 5 mandibular rami.
Based on size, eight of the specimens are juvenile, the other two subadult or perhaps young adults.
Two contemporary living specimens were collected from Antsirabe by Major, who also obtained a fossil specimen (M7092) from the ‘Pleistocene formation, Marshes of Sirabé’.
ORYZORICTINAE Dobson, 1882
In total, 866 craniodental elements of oryzorictine tenrecs were recovered from the Upper Stratum of the Children’s Cave. Four species belonging to three genera were identified, the most numerous being Microgale cowani Thomas, 1882 (NR = 501, MNI = 182), followed by Microgale pusilla Major, 1896 (NR = 192, MNI 115) and Oryzorictes tetradactylus Milne-Edwards and A. Grandidier, 1882 (NR = 151, MNI = 49), with the lowest frequency for Nesogale dobsoni (NR = 22, MNI = 8).
Within the Oryzorictinae, identification to species of craniodental elements usually depends on the presence of a portion of the tooth row. Oryzorictes and Nesogale are larger than either of the two species of Microgale found at the site and differ in craniodental morphology (Figure 8). Age determination in Microgale is based on differences between the juvenile and adult dental morphology and eruption sequence of the antemolar dentition (MacPhee 1987). In this assemblage the molars and premolars are the teeth most frequently preserved in situ, progressively less so towards the anterior region of the tooth row, with incisors and canines rarely preserved. Thus, age determination is often difficult and the proportion of age classes within the sample difficult to establish.
description: Published as part of Denys, Christiane, Gabriel, Nadine W., Lalis, Aude & Jenkins, Paulina, 2024, Subfossil rodents and tenrecs of Children's Cave, Madagascar, pp. 796-839 in Journal of Natural History 58 (25 - 28) on pages 811-813, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2370663, http://zenodo.org/record/13219769
Microgale pusilla Major 1896
Creators: name: Denys, Christiane
name: Gabriel, Nadine W.
name: Lalis, Aude
name: Jenkins, Paulina
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Afrosoricida
Tenrecidae
Microgale
Microgale pusilla

description: Microgale pusilla Major, 1896
Attributed material: Upper Stratum: 143 maxillae and maxillary fragments, 49 mandibular rami; see Appendix.
Two specimens of M. pusilla with intact maxillae exhibit the third premolar (P4) in process of eruption (Stage 2 of MacPhee 1987), in two others the second incisor (I2) or P3 is erupting (MacPhee’s Stage 3) and in two specimens the canines are erupting (Stage 4).
A few specimens of M. pusilla exhibit dp2, dp3 or dp4, and in one specimen p3 is in process of erupting (Stage 3).
Major described M. pusilla based on specimens he collected from two localities in southeastern Madagascar, while recognising that subfossil remains in the Children’s Cave, for which he had previously used the label name ‘ parva ’, belonged to the same taxon. Microgale pusilla is relatively rarely represented in museum collections and these museum specimens cluster within the lower to mid-part of the range of the Children’s Cave subfossils on ARL (Figure 11). No contemporary living specimens of M. pusilla were collected by Major from Antsirabe and the surrounding area, which suggests either that the species was not present or poorly represented in the area at that time or that it proved difficult to trap, perhaps because of its small size. Modern methods of standard pitfall trapping at other locations have also shown low abundance for this species where, if present, it is recorded mostly from one and rarely by three or four specimens. However, remains of this species were identified in fresh owl pellets at Antsifotrakely, a small rock shelter in Antsifotra volcano (approx. 19.857°S, 46.902°E), 5 km E of Betafo and approximately 10–18 km W of Antsirabe (MacPhee 1987). The species has also been recorded from four Central Highlands Protected Areas sites, at Ambohitantely, Tsinjoarivo-Ambalaomby, Ibity and Itremo (Goodman et al. 2000; Goodman et al. 2018; Goodman and Soarimalala 2004).
description: Published as part of Denys, Christiane, Gabriel, Nadine W., Lalis, Aude & Jenkins, Paulina, 2024, Subfossil rodents and tenrecs of Children's Cave, Madagascar, pp. 796-839 in Journal of Natural History 58 (25 - 28) on pages 815-816, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2370663, http://zenodo.org/record/13219769
Nesogale Thomas 1918
Creators: name: Denys, Christiane
name: Gabriel, Nadine W.
name: Lalis, Aude
name: Jenkins, Paulina
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Afrosoricida
Tenrecidae
Nesogale

description: Genus Nesogale Thomas, 1918
This genus, originally included in the genus Microgale, is distinguished from the latter by morphological and molecular differences, and is represented by two species, Nesogale dobsoni (Thomas, 1884) and N. talazaci (Major, 1896). Both species, listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (Stephenson et al. 2016), are widely distributed, with a broad latitudinal range in moist evergreen forest and, while both occur in the Central Highlands, N. dobsoni is apparently more tolerant of fringe habitat of fragmented forest and marshland. The two species are distinguished by the greater size of N. talazaci. Measurements of the subfossil mandibular rami show that they are clearly within the range of the smaller N. dobsoni (Table 5).
description: Published as part of Denys, Christiane, Gabriel, Nadine W., Lalis, Aude & Jenkins, Paulina, 2024, Subfossil rodents and tenrecs of Children's Cave, Madagascar, pp. 796-839 in Journal of Natural History 58 (25 - 28) on page 817, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2370663, http://zenodo.org/record/13219769
Nesogale dobsoni
Creators: name: Denys, Christiane
name: Gabriel, Nadine W.
name: Lalis, Aude
name: Jenkins, Paulina
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Afrosoricida
Tenrecidae
Nesogale
Nesogale dobsoni

description: Nesogale dobsoni (Thomas, 1884)
Attributed material: Inner recess (superficial): 1 mandibular ramus. Upper Stratum: 2 crania; 5 mandibular rami. Lower Stratum: 2 anterior crania; 5 maxillary fragments; 7 mandibular rami; see Appendix for details.
Although the skulls of N. dobsoni are relatively robust in comparison with Microgale, the anterior parts of the skull are rarely preserved amongst the subfossil material. Deciduous premolars are present in two specimens and two others respectively exhibit an erupting p4 (Stage 2 according to MacPhee 1987) and canine (Stage 4); however, the dentition of other specimens is apparently adult based on premolar and molar dentition.
Few specimens of N. dobsoni occur in the Children’s Cave subfossil remains in comparison to the other species of Oryzorictinae (2.5% of the identified remains). Nesogale dobsoni is relatively common in museum collections and Major collected contemporary live specimens from several humid forest localities but not, however, from Antsirabe or nearby localities (Jenkins and Carleton 2005). However, N. dobsoni was found in fresh owl pellets at Antsifotrakely (MacPhee 1987). In comparison with modern specimens from other localities, we find that the Children’s Cave specimens fit within the species’ variability (Figure 12).
description: Published as part of Denys, Christiane, Gabriel, Nadine W., Lalis, Aude & Jenkins, Paulina, 2024, Subfossil rodents and tenrecs of Children's Cave, Madagascar, pp. 796-839 in Journal of Natural History 58 (25 - 28) on pages 817-818, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2370663, http://zenodo.org/record/13219769
Oryzorictes A. Grandidier 1870
Creators: name: Denys, Christiane
name: Gabriel, Nadine W.
name: Lalis, Aude
name: Jenkins, Paulina
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Afrosoricida
Tenrecidae
Oryzorictes

description: Genus Oryzorictes A. Grandidier, 1870
Two species of Oryzorictes are generally accepted as present in Madagascar, O. hova A. Grandidier, 1870 and O. tetradactylus Milne-Edwards and A. Grandidier, 1882. Three cryptic species, however, have recently been determined within O. hova based on molecular and morphological evidence but as yet remain unnamed (Everson et al. 2018). Both named species occur in the Central Highlands; Oryzorictes hova is widely distributed and ranked as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (Stephenson et al. 2016), although the status of cryptic species under this name will require future re-evaluation. Oryzorictes tetradactylus is ranked as Data Deficient as it is known mostly from specimens collected in Central and East Madagascar late in the nineteenth century, including those collected by Major at Antsirabe and the relatively close localities of Fasina (19°45’S, 46° 56’E) and Andranobe (19°49’S, 46°59’E) (Jenkins and Carleton 2005). This species has not been recorded at any of the Protected Area sites in the Central Highlands, unlike O. cf. hova which is listed from three such sites: Ambohitantely, Anjozorobe-Angavo and Marolambo (Goodman et al. 2018). There are a few records of this species from Andringitra in 1970, two at high altitudes of 2030 m and 2470 m, respectively; however, no specimens were discovered during the elevational survey of the eastern slopes of Andringitra in 1993 (Goodman et al. 1996a). The skull of O. hova is more robust than that of O. tetradactylus, averages larger in size (Table 5) and has larger molars.
description: Published as part of Denys, Christiane, Gabriel, Nadine W., Lalis, Aude & Jenkins, Paulina, 2024, Subfossil rodents and tenrecs of Children's Cave, Madagascar, pp. 796-839 in Journal of Natural History 58 (25 - 28) on page 818, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2370663, http://zenodo.org/record/13219769
Oryzorictes tetradactylus Milne-Edwards and A. Grandidier 1882
Creators: name: Denys, Christiane
name: Gabriel, Nadine W.
name: Lalis, Aude
name: Jenkins, Paulina
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2024
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Afrosoricida
Tenrecidae
Oryzorictes
Oryzorictes tetradactylus

description: Oryzorictes tetradactylus Milne-Edwards and A. Grandidier, 1882
Attributed material: Inner recess (Superficial): 1 cranium. Upper Stratum: 70 maxillae and maxillary fragments; 81 mandibular rami; see Appendix.
As in other genera, the anterior dentition is less frequently preserved than molars, with incisors rarely and canines occasionally present. Deciduous incisors were present on the anterior cranium of one specimen, but judging by the dentition, and by measurements, most of the Children’s Cave subfossils are adult and fit within the variability of the modern species (Figure 13).
description: Published as part of Denys, Christiane, Gabriel, Nadine W., Lalis, Aude & Jenkins, Paulina, 2024, Subfossil rodents and tenrecs of Children's Cave, Madagascar, pp. 796-839 in Journal of Natural History 58 (25 - 28) on page 819, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2024.2370663, http://zenodo.org/record/13219769
Bathyergidae Waterhouse 1841
Creators: name: Don E. Wilson
name: Thomas E. Lacher, Jr
name: Russell A. Mittermeier
Publisher: name: Lynx Edicions
Year: 2016
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Rodentia
Bathyergidae

description: Family BATHYERGIDAE
(AFRICAN MOLE-RATS)
• Cylindrically bodied rodents, with short legs and tails; stiff hairs on feet, faces, and tails; reduced eyes; lack of exter nal ear pinnae, blunt heads, and well-developed incisors with small buccal openings protected by flaps ofskin.
• 10-30 cm.
• Afrotropical Region.
• Subterranean in open forests to savannas and semi-deserts under mesic to xeric conditions.
• 5 genera, 17 species, 24 taxa.
• | species Vulnerable; none Extinct since 1600.
description: Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Bathyergidae, pp. 352-370 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 352, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6584692
Heliophobius argenteocinereus Peters 1846
Creators: name: Don E. Wilson
name: Thomas E. Lacher, Jr
name: Russell A. Mittermeier
Publisher: name: Lynx Edicions
Year: 2016
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Rodentia
Bathyergidae
Heliophobius
Heliophobius argenteocinereus

description: 1.
Silvery Mole-rat
Heliophobius argenteocinereus
French: Bathyergue argenté / German: Silbermull / Spanish: Rata topo plateada
Other common names: Silky Mole-rat, Silvery Mole Rat
Taxonomy. Heliophobius argenteocinereus Peters, 1846,
Tete (on the Zambezi River), Mozambique.
Based on the phylogeographic study by C. G. Faulkes and colleagues in 2011, it is very likely that the genus Heliophobius is represented by more than one species. Five subspecies recognized.
Subspecies and Distribution.
H.a.argenteocinereusPeters,1846—Mozambique,NofZambeziRiver.
H.a.eminiNoack,1894—mostofTanzania.
H.a.marungensisNoack,1887—SEDRCongo,EZambia,andMalawi.
H.a.kapitiHeller,1909—SKenya.
H. a. spalax Thomas, 1910 — NE Tanzania (Kilimanjaro and Eastern Arc Mts: Usambara, Uluguru, and Ukaguru).
Descriptive notes. Head-body 131-195 mm (males) and 131-191 mm (females), tail 6-16 mm (males) and 8-17 mm (females); weight 63-331 g (males) and 51-271 g (females). According to A. Scharff and colleagues in 2001, average size of the Silvery Mole-rat is larger in Malawi (mean 160 g, 142-168 g) than Zambia (mean 146 g, 118-170 g). It is mediumto large-sized; dorsal pelage is gray to sandy brown; and ventral pelage being lighter. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 60 or 62, FN = 144.
Habitat. Compact sandy soils in grasslands with annual rainfall more than 900 mm.
Food and Feeding. The Silvery Mole-rat is herbivorous generalist and eats bulbs, geophytes, green leaves, and tubers.
Breeding. Breeding of the Silvery Mole-rat occurs in May-June. Gestation exceeds 87 days, and litter size averages 3-2 young.
Activity patterns. The Silvery Mole-rat burrows. Genetic studies suggest that it can disperse aboveground.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. Density of the Silvery Mole-rat is c.5 ind/ha; home range averages 157 m?. It is solitary and territorial, but genetic studies reveal multiple paternity.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List.
Bibliography. Faulkes et al. (2011), George (1979), Knotkova et al. (2009), Maree & Faulkes (2008g), Monadjem et al. (2015), Patzenhauerova et al. (2010), Scharff, Macholan et al. (2001), Skliba et al. (2007, 2009), Sumbera, Burda & Chitaukali (2003), Sumbera, Chitaukali & Burda (2007), Sumbera, Chitaukali, Elichova et al. (2004), Sumbera, Skliba et al. (2008), Woods & Kilpatrick (2005).
description: Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Bathyergidae, pp. 352-370 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 367, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6584692
Bathyergus janetta Thomas & Schwann 1904
Creators: name: Don E. Wilson
name: Thomas E. Lacher, Jr
name: Russell A. Mittermeier
Publisher: name: Lynx Edicions
Year: 2016
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Rodentia
Bathyergidae
Bathyergus
Bathyergus janetta

description: 2.
Namaqua Dune Mole-rat
Bathyergus janetta
French: Bathyergue namaquois / German: Namaqua-Strandgraber / Spanish: Rata topo de dunas de Namaqua
Other common names: Namaqgua Dune Mole Rat, Namaguan Dune Blesmol, Small Dune Mole-rat
Taxonomy. Bathyergus janetta Thomas & Schwann, 1904,
Port Nolloth, coastal Little Namaqualand, north-western Cape Province, South Africa.
This species is monotypic.
Distribution. S Namibia and W South Africa (W Northern Cape).
Descriptive notes. Head-body 170-235 mm (males) and 170-205 mm (females), tail 41-52 mm (males) and 40-50 mm (females); weight 242-710 ¢g (males) and 195-540 g (females). The Namaqua Dune Mole-rat is smaller than the Cape Dune Mole-rat (B. suillus) and considerably more colorful; dorsal pelage ranges from gray to silvery gray, with a blackish strip leading from head region to rump; ventral surface of pelage is more silvery gray. The Namaqua Dune Mole-rat has short, bushy tail; hairs around eyes and ear pinna are light; and feet are pinkish with short bristles. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 54, FN = 104.
Habitat. Sandy soils near highly arid, coastal dunes.
Food and Feeding. The Namaqua Dune Mole-rat is herbivorous and eats geophytes and bulbs; it does not drink standing water.
Breeding. Breeding of the Namaqua Dune Mole-rat occurs during rainy period in July-September. Litter sizes are 1-7 young, and gestation is a minimum of 52 days.
Activity patterns. Burrowing activity of Namaqua Dune Mole-rats is greatest during rainy periods; they excavate burrows with claws.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. Average lengths of burrows are 71:2-165 m, and home ranges are 430-3—-1181-3 m? The Namaqua Dune Mole-rat is solitary and territorial with individuals occupying different burrow systems.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List.
Bibliography. Bennett & Faulkes (2000), Bennett et al. (1991), Herbst & Bennett (2006), Herbst et al. (2004), Jarvis (2013), Jarvis & Bennett (1991), Maree, Faulkes & Griffin (2008a), Nevo et al. (1986), Skinner & Chimimba (2005), Woods & Kilpatrick (2005).
description: Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Bathyergidae, pp. 352-370 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 367, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6584692
Bathyergus suillus
Creators: name: Don E. Wilson
name: Thomas E. Lacher, Jr
name: Russell A. Mittermeier
Publisher: name: Lynx Edicions
Year: 2016
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Rodentia
Bathyergidae
Bathyergus
Bathyergus suillus

description: 3.
Cape Dune Mole-rat
Bathyergus suillus
French: Bathyergue des dunes / German: Kap-Strandgraber / Spanish: Rata topo de dunas de El Cabo
Other common names: Cape Dune Blesmol, Cape Dune Mole Rat, Large Cape Dune Mole-rat
Taxonomy. Mus suillus Schreber, 1782,
Cape of Good Hope, South Africa.
This species is monotypic.
Distribution. Endemic to S South Africa, Western Cape Province from Knysna to Lamberts Bay.
Descriptive notes. Head-body 267-9-353-7 mm (males) and 279-9-329-9 mm (females); tail 30-7-41-9 mm (males) and 29-3-38-3 mm (females); weight 0-57.1-3 kg (males) and 0-58.0-96 kg (females). Some male Cape Dune Mole-rats reach 2 kg. Largest species of mole-rat characterized by thick cinnamon-brown dorsal pelage, with hairs darker at bases and brown at tips; ventral surface is grayish; and whitish hairs are near eyes and nose. Cape Dune Mole-rats have cylinder-shaped bodies, with short limbs, pinkish feet, and long claws on forefeet. Tail is short and contains bristle-like hairs, similar to those seen on feet, with facial bristles being considerably larger. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 56, FN = 102.
Habitat. Sandy soils in mesic savannas and grasslands.
Food and Feeding. The Cape Dune Mole-rat is herbivorous, and its diet contains c.80% grass, geophytes, and aboveand below-ground plants; it does not drink standing water.
Breeding. Breeding of the Cape Dune Mole-rat occurs during rainy season in July—October; courtship involves foot drumming. Gestation is 50-60 days, litter size averages 3-3 young (range 1-6), and genetic evidence suggests multiple paternity. Cape Dune Mole-rats are territorial and aggressive toward each other.
Activity patterns. Cape Dune Mole-rats dig with large claws on their forefeet.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. Breeding patterns of Cape Dune Mole-rats suggest aboveground movements; burrows are 50-420 m; home range averages 0-27 ha (range 0-14-0-35 ha). They are solitary and territorial.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List.
Bibliography. Bennett & Faulkes (2000), Bennett & Jarvis (1995), Bennett et al. (2009), Bray, Bloomer et al. (2012), Bray, van Rensburg & Bennett (2013), Davies & Jarvis (1986), Hart et al. (2006), Maree, Faulkes & Griffin (2008b), Nevo et al. (1986), Skinner & Chimimba (2005), Thomas et al. (2009).
description: Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Bathyergidae, pp. 352-370 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 367, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6584692
Georychus capensis
Creators: name: Don E. Wilson
name: Thomas E. Lacher, Jr
name: Russell A. Mittermeier
Publisher: name: Lynx Edicions
Year: 2016
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Rodentia
Bathyergidae
Georychus
Georychus capensis

description: 4.
Cape Mole-rat
Georychus capensis
French: Bathyergue du Cap / German: Kap-Blessmull / Spanish: Rata topo de El Cabo
Other common names: Cape Blesmol, Cape Mole Rat
Taxonomy. Mus capensis Pallas, 1779,
Cape of Good Hope, South Africa.
This species is monotypic.
Distribution. South Africa, Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces and isolated populations in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces.
Descriptive notes. Head-body 85-231-6 mm (males) and 131:2-181-2 mm (females), tail 18:-1-23-1 mm (males) and 17-3-23-7 mm (females); weight 108-5- 255-1 g (males) and 87.7-272-3 g (females). The Cape Mole-rat is mediumto largesized; pelage is thick, russet to brown dorsally and significantly lighter ventrally. Head and areas below eyes are dark brown; white patches surround ear openings and eyes; nose is pink, with white surrounding anterior part of head. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 54, FN = 104.
Habitat. Sandyto clay soils in mesic coastal regions with fynbos shrublands, forests, and savannas of mesic coastal regions.
Food and Feeding. The Cape Mole-rat is herbivorous and eats green plants, grasses, clover, and geophytes;it does not drink standing water.
Breeding. Breeding of the Cape Mole-rat occurs in August-December. Gestation is 44-48 days, andlitter size averages six young (range 3-10).
Activity patterns. The Cape Mole-rat burrows with its teeth; it can be seen aboveground.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. The Cape Mole-rat disperses aboveground;it is solitary and territorial. It communicates with seismic signaling by foot drumming.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List.
Bibliography. Bennett & Jarvis (1988b), Bennett et al. (2006), Bronner (1990), Du Toit et al. (1985), Lovegrove & Papenfus (1995), Maree & Faulkes (2008f), Narins et al. (1992), Nevo et al. (1986), Robb et al. (2012), Roper et al. (2001).
description: Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Bathyergidae, pp. 352-370 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on pages 367-368, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6584692
Fukomys zechi
Creators: name: Don E. Wilson
name: Thomas E. Lacher, Jr
name: Russell A. Mittermeier
Publisher: name: Lynx Edicions
Year: 2016
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Rodentia
Bathyergidae
Fukomys
Fukomys zechi

description: 6.
Ghana Mole-rat
Fukomys zechi
French: Bathyergue de Zech / German: Togo-Graumull / Spanish: Rata topo de Ghana
Other common names: Ghana Mole Rat, Togo Mole-rat, Togo Mole Rat
Taxonomy. Georhychus [sic] zechi Matschie, 1900,
near Kete-Kradji, Togo.
This species is monotypic.
Distribution. EC Ghana and N Togo (between Oti and Volta rivers).
Descriptive notes. Head-body 120-226 mm, tail 15 mm; weight 51-283 g. The Ghana Mole-rat is medium-sized, with cinnamon pelage and white patches on some individuals.
Habitat. Silty loam soils in agricultural areas.
Food and Feeding. The Ghana Mole-rat eats bulbs, tubers, and agricultural crops such as cassava and yams.
Breeding. There is no information available for this species.
Activity patterns. There is no information available for this species.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. Ghana Mole-rats occur at low densities. They are colonial; average colonysize is 3-6 individuals (range 1-7).
Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Despite classification of the Ghana Mole-rat as Least Concern, there is very little demographic and ecological information to assess its conservation status. Given its endemic nature and current distribution of available habitat, long-term survival of the Ghana Mole-rat may be in jeopardy.
Bibliography. Bennett & Faulkes (2000), Maree, Faulkes & Schlitter (2008), Monadjem et al. (2015), Rosevear (1969), Woods & Kilpatrick (2005), Yeboah & Akyeampong (2001), Yeboah & Dakwa (2002).
description: Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Bathyergidae, pp. 352-370 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 368, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6584692
Fukomys foxi
Creators: name: Don E. Wilson
name: Thomas E. Lacher, Jr
name: Russell A. Mittermeier
Publisher: name: Lynx Edicions
Year: 2016
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Rodentia
Bathyergidae
Fukomys
Fukomys foxi

description: 7.
Nigerian Mole-rat
Fukomys foxi
French: Bathyergue du Nigeria / German: Nigeria-Graumull / Spanish: Rata topo de Nigeria
Other common names: Fox's Mole-rat, Nigerian Mole Rat
Taxonomy. Georychus fox: Thomas, 1911,
Panyam, Jos Plateau, 4000’ [1212 m], Nigeria.
This species is monotypic.
Distribution. N Nigeria (Jos Plateau) and C Cameroon (Ngaoundéré).
Descriptive notes. Head-body 161-191 mm (males) and 162-191 mm (females), tail 16-23 mm (males) and 17-25 mm (females). No specific data are available for body weight. The Nigerian Mole-rat is medium-sized, with white markings on its body and a head patch; its pelage is brown,soft, and fine. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 66 or 70, FN = 126 or 134.
Habitat. There is no information available for this species.
Food and Feeding. There is no information available for this species.
Breeding. There is no information available for this species.
Activity patterns. There is no information available for this species.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Data Deficient on The IUCN Red Lust.
Bibliography. Bennett & Faulkes (2000), Maree & Faulkes (2008c), Rosevear (1969), Williams et al. (1983), Woods & Kilpatrick (2005).
description: Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Bathyergidae, pp. 352-370 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 368, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6584692
Fukomys ochraceocinereus
Creators: name: Don E. Wilson
name: Thomas E. Lacher, Jr
name: Russell A. Mittermeier
Publisher: name: Lynx Edicions
Year: 2016
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Rodentia
Bathyergidae
Fukomys
Fukomys ochraceocinereus

description: 8.
Ochre Mole-rat
Fukomys ochraceocinereus
French: Bathyergue ocre / German: Zentralafrika-Graumull / Spanish: Rata topo ocre
Other common names: Central African Mole-rat, Ochre Mole Rat
Taxonomy. Georychus ochraceo-cinereus Heuglin, 1864,
Upper Bahr-el-Ghazal, Sudan.
This species is monotypic.
Distribution. Central African Republic, N DR Congo, South Sudan, and NW Uganda; presence in E Cameroon and NW Kenya is possible.
Descriptive notes. Head-body 157-200 mm, tail 14-27 mm. No specific data are available for body weight. The Ochre Mole-rat is medium-sized. Its dorsal and ventral pelage is brown; head has white patch, with lightly colored areas around eyes. Vibrissae occur on feet and tail. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 44, FN = 76.
Habitat. Woodland savanna and agricultural land.
Food and Feeding. There is no information available for this species.
Breeding. There is no information available for this species.
Activity patterns. There is no information available for this species.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Although the Ochre Mole-rat is widespread, populations appear to be very localized, and given the lack of basic ecological and demographic insight, its conservation status is largely unknown. It probably occurs in protected areas such as Garamba National Park in north-eastern DR Congo.
Bibliography. Bennett & Faulkes (2000), Maree & Faulkes (2008e), Monadjem et al. (2015), Rosevear (1969), Woods & Kilpatrick (2005).
description: Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Bathyergidae, pp. 352-370 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on pages 368-369, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6584692
Fukomys bocagei
Creators: name: Don E. Wilson
name: Thomas E. Lacher, Jr
name: Russell A. Mittermeier
Publisher: name: Lynx Edicions
Year: 2016
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Rodentia
Bathyergidae
Fukomys
Fukomys bocagei

description: 9.
Bocage’s Mole-rat
Fukomys bocagei
French: Bathyergue de Bocage / German: Bocage-Graumull / Spanish: Rata topo de Bocage
Other common names: Angolan Mole-rat, Bocage's Mole Rat
Taxonomy. Georychus bocager de Winton, 1897,
Hanha, western Angola.
This species is monotypic.
Distribution. C & S Angola and N Namibia (Ovamboland); no confirmed records, but it may be present in extreme S DR Congo, and W Zambia.
Descriptive notes. Head-body 141-166 mm (males) and 150-165 mm (females), tail 7-12 mm (males) and 6-15 mm (females). No specific data are available for body weight. Bocage’s Mole-rat is medium-sized, with gray to cinnamon dorsal pelage; white head spot variesin size. Limbs are short, feet are pink, tail is short, and vibrissae occur on tail and feet. Chromosomal complementis 2n = 58, FN = 98.
Habitat. Mesic areas with mean minimum annual rainfall of 819-8-860-4 mm.
Food and Feeding. There is no information available for this species.
Breeding. There is no information available for this species.
Activity patterns. There is no information available for this species.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List.
Bibliography. Bennett & Faulkes (2000), Faulkes, Bennett et al. (1997), Faulkes, Maree & Griffin (2008), Van Daele et al. (2004).
description: Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Bathyergidae, pp. 352-370 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 369, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6584692
Fukomys amatus
Creators: name: Don E. Wilson
name: Thomas E. Lacher, Jr
name: Russell A. Mittermeier
Publisher: name: Lynx Edicions
Year: 2016
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Rodentia
Bathyergidae
Fukomys
Fukomys amatus

description: 10.
Zambian Mole-rat
Fukomys amatus
French: Bathyergue de Zambie / German: Sambia-Graumull / Spanish: Rata topo de Zambia
Taxonomy. Georychus amatus Wroughton, 1907,
“Road to Chiwali’s, Alala Plateau .. Alt. 4000 [feet],” Zambia.
Previously, F. amatus was placed as a subspecies of Cryptomys hottentotus. Nevertheless, current molecular and chromosomal data placeit as a distinct species in the genus Fukomys. Monotypic.
Distribution. C Zambia and SE DR Congo.
Descriptive notes. Head-body 105 mm (type specimen), tail 10 mm (type); weight 73-2 g (52-71 g). The Zambian Mole-rat is dark gray to brown; white areas sometimes occur on ventral side and head. It has a cylindrical body and short legs and tail. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 50, FN = 92 or 96.
Habitat. Mesic areas with mean minimum annual rainfall of 889-6 mm.
Food and Feeding. The Zambian Mole-rat is herbivorous.
Breeding. Breeding of the Zambian Mole-rat is aseasonal. Gestation is 90-100 days, and littersize is two young (range 1-2).
Activity patterns. There is no information available for this species.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. The Zambian Mole-rat is colonial, with maximum colony size often.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List (under Cryptomys hottentotus). Conservation status of the Zambian Mole-rat is largely unknown because of lack of data on population status and ecology.
Bibliography. Bennett & Faulkes (2000), Faulkes, Bennett et al. (1997), Macholén et al. (1998).
description: Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Bathyergidae, pp. 352-370 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 369, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6584692
Fukomys anselli
Creators: name: Don E. Wilson
name: Thomas E. Lacher, Jr
name: Russell A. Mittermeier
Publisher: name: Lynx Edicions
Year: 2016
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Rodentia
Bathyergidae
Fukomys
Fukomys anselli

description: 11.
Ansell’s Mole-rat
Fukomys anselli
French: Bathyergue d/Ansell / German: Ansell-Graumull / Spanish: Rata topo de Ansell
Taxonomy. Cryptomys anselli Burda et al., 1999,
“Court of the Chainama Hills Golf Club in the north-eastern part of Lusaka, Zambia.”
This species is monotypic.
Distribution. C Zambia, only near University of Lusaka (Ngwerere, Mungule, and Chinunyu).
Descriptive notes. Head-body 109-135 mm (males) and 108-132 mm (females), tail 15-6-21-7 mm (males) and 13-9-22-9 mm (females); weight 80-126 g (males) and 65-102 g (females). Ansell’s Mole-rat is medium-sized;it has a cylindrical body and short legs and tail, with vibrissae on tail and feet. Dorsal pelage is dark gray to black, with white spot on head of variable size. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 68, FN = 79-82.
Habitat. Sandy to clay soils in cultivated fields, gardens, and savanna—brushland.
Food and Feeding. Ansell’s Mole-rat is herbivorous and eats bulbous roots, geophytes, and crops such as cassava; it does not drink standing water.
Breeding. Breeding of Ansell’s Mole-rat is aseasonal. It is a cooperative breeder, with single breeding female and small number of males; breeders are the largest individuals in a colony. Litter size averages 2-7 young (range 1-4).
Activity patterns. Ansell’s Mole-rats dig with their teeth and burrow more actively after rain. They show evidence of circadian rhythm.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. Lengths of burrow tunnels of Ansell’s Mole-rats are 500-2800 m, and homes ranges are 1917-19,103 m*. Colonies of 6-16 individuals contain small numbers of reproductive and non-reproductive molerats. Odors are used to distinguish kin from non-kin.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Near Threatened on The IUCN Red List. Ansell’s Mole-rats are harvested by humans and considered an agricultural pest.
Bibliography. Amori & Cox (2008), Burda et al. (1999), De Vries et al. (2008), Heth et al. (2004), Monadjem et al. (2015), Sichilima etal. (2011), Skliba et al. (2012).
description: Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Bathyergidae, pp. 352-370 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 369, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6584692
Fukomys kafuensis
Creators: name: Don E. Wilson
name: Thomas E. Lacher, Jr
name: Russell A. Mittermeier
Publisher: name: Lynx Edicions
Year: 2016
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Rodentia
Bathyergidae
Fukomys
Fukomys kafuensis

description: 12.
Katue Mole-rat
Fukomys kafuensis
French: Bathyergue du Kafue / German: Kafue-Graumull / Spanish: Rata topo de Kafue
Taxonomy. Cryptomys kafuensis Burda et al, 1999,
“Hot Springs” in Itezhi-Tezhi, Kafue National Park, Southern Province, 1526 m, Zambia.
This species is monotypic.
Distribution. S Zambia, recorded only at the type locality.
Descriptive notes. Head-body 105-129 mm (males) and 96-115 mm (females), tail 14-3-19 mm (males) and 13-5-20 mm (females); weight 84-139 g (males) and 61-77 g (females). The Kafue Mole-rat is medium-sized, with dorsal pelage of dark gray to brown. Head has a prominent white spot. Chromosomal complement is 2n = b8, FN = 82.
Habitat. Grassland and cultivated fields with average annual rainfall of 787 mm.
Food and Feeding. The Kafue Mole-rat is herbivorous and probably eats corms of grasses, tubers, and geophytes.
Breeding. There is no information available for this species.
Activity patterns. There is no information available for this species.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no specific information for this species, but the Kafue Mole-rat no doubt occupies burrow systems.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Vulnerable on The IUCN Red List.
Bibliography. Burda et al. (1999), Cotterill & Maree (2008).
description: Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Bathyergidae, pp. 352-370 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 369, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6584692
Fukomys mechowii
Creators: name: Don E. Wilson
name: Thomas E. Lacher, Jr
name: Russell A. Mittermeier
Publisher: name: Lynx Edicions
Year: 2016
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Rodentia
Bathyergidae
Fukomys
Fukomys mechowii

description: 13.
Mechow’s Mole-rat
Fukomys mechowii
French: Bathyergue de Mechow / German: Riesengraumull / Spanish: Rata topo de Mechow
Other common names: Angolan Giant Mole-rat, Giant Mole-rat, Mechow’s Mole Rat
Taxonomy. Georychus mechowii Peters, 1881,
Malange, Angola.
This species is monotypic.
Distribution. S & E DR Congo, E Angola, and N Zambia; recorded from N Malawi (Rumphi) and SW Tanzania (Ufipa), but identification of both records has not been fully confirmed.
Descriptive notes. Head-body 156-262 mm (males) and 135-205 mm (females), tail 23-31 mm (males) and 23-33-7 mm (females); weight 250-440 g (males) and 218-286 g (females). Mechow’s Mole-rat is the largest species of Fukomys. Its pelage is ocher dorsally and paler ventrally; it does not have a head patch. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 40, FN = 78 or 80.
Habitat. Generalist in terms of soils in agriculturalfields, forests, and brushlands with average annual rainfall of 1200 mm.
Food and Feeding. Mechow’s Mole-rat eats bulbs, tubers, grass roots, geophytes, and cultivated crops such as cassava and potatoes.
Breeding. Breeding of Mechow’s Mole-rat is aseasonal. Gestation is 97-111 days, and litter size averages two young (range 1-3).
Activity patterns. Activity of Mechow’s Mole-rat is correlated with temperature; excavation of burrow is performed by non-reproductive individuals.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. Home range of Mechow’s Mole-rat averages 0-26 ha. Burrow systems cover 2-3 ha and contain nest chambers, food stores, and latrines. Mechow’s Mole-rats are social and live in colonies 3-20 individuals. They are monogamous, with more than one generation in a colony; breeding pairs appear to be unrelated. Litter sizes are 2—4 young.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Experienced hunters can harvest 600-800 Mechow’s Mole-rats/year, which could affect conservation in certain areas.
Bibliography. Bednéarova et al. (2013), Bennett & Faulkes (2000), Burda & Kawalika (1993), Lévy et al. (2013), Macholan et al. (1993), Maree & Faulkes (2008d), Scharff, LockerGritjen et al. (2001), Sichilima et al. (2008), Sumbera et al. (2012), Van Daele et al. (2004), Wallace & Bennett (1998), Woods & Kilpatrick (2005).
description: Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Bathyergidae, pp. 352-370 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on pages 369-370, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6584692
Fukomys vandewoestijneae
Creators: name: Don E. Wilson
name: Thomas E. Lacher, Jr
name: Russell A. Mittermeier
Publisher: name: Lynx Edicions
Year: 2016
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Rodentia
Bathyergidae
Fukomys
Fukomys vandewoestijneae

description: 14.
Caroline’s Mole-rat
Fukomys vandewoestijneae
French: Bathyergue de Caroline / German: Katanga-Graumull / Spanish: Rata topo de Caroline
Taxonomy. Fukomys vandewoestiineae Van Daele et al., 2013,
Sabitonto River (10° 59’ 30-5” S, 24° 10° 09-3” E), 1308 m, Katanga Province, DR Congo.
F. vandewoestijneae is most similar to F. mechowii and F bocagei, but they can be distinguished based on cranial and dental measurements, characteristics of chromosomes, and nucleotide sequence data from mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene. Monotypic.
Distribution. Restricted to the border between NW Zambia and S DR Congo, but it probably also occurs in nearby areas in E Angola.
Descriptive notes. Head-body 87-150 mm, tail 14-21 mm; weight 64-134 g. Measurements are from the holotype and paratypes. Caroline’s Mole-rat is mediumsized, with completely brown pelage tending toward grayish brown on ventral side; tail is short; feet and nose are pinkish; mouth has protruding incisors; and white head mark is missing or faint in most individuals. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 44, FN = 76.
Habitat. Grassland, woodland, and agriculturalfields with high rainfall.
Food and Feeding. Caroline’s Mole-rat is herbivorous and eats underground plant material such as tubers and geophytes.
Breeding. There is no information available for this species.
Activity patterns. There is no information available for this species.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. Caroline’s Mole-rat is colonial and lives in burrow systems; burrow size is limited in some areas.
Status and Conservation. The Caroline’s Mole-rat has not been assessed on The [UCN Red List because it was described recently. Data are deficient for an accurate determination of its conservation status; however, the region where it occurs has high species diversity and endemism. Probably one of the greatest conservation threats to Caroline’s Mole-rat comes from humans, who harvest it for food and modify its habitat for agriculture.
Bibliography. Van Daele, Blondé et al. (2013), Van Daele, Verheyen et al. (2007).
description: Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Bathyergidae, pp. 352-370 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 370, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6584692
Fukomys whytei
Creators: name: Don E. Wilson
name: Thomas E. Lacher, Jr
name: Russell A. Mittermeier
Publisher: name: Lynx Edicions
Year: 2016
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Chordata
Mammalia
Rodentia
Bathyergidae
Fukomys
Fukomys whytei

description: 15.
Whyte’s Mole-rat
Fukomys whytei
French: Bathyergue de Whyte / German: Malawi-Graumull / Spanish: Rata topo de Whyte
Other common names: Malawian Mole-rat
Taxonomy. Georychus whyte: Thomas, 1897,
Karonga, Lake Nynsa, Nyasaland (= Malawi).
Although FE whytei was placed as a subspecies in Cryptomys hottentotus, recent molecular, morphological, and chromosomal data place it as a distinct species of Fukomys. Monotypic.
Distribution. N Malawi, but it may also occur in NE Zambia and SE Tanzania.
Descriptive notes. Head-body 129-9-156-6 mm (males) and 140-1-146-9 mm (females), tail 15-6-19-8 mm (males) and 15-9-18-5 mm (females); weight 110-4-155-9 g (males) and 110-8-132-2 g (females). Whyte’s Mole-rat is medium-sized. It is gray-buff and does not have a distinct head spot. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 46, FN = 76.
Habitat. Hard soils in woodlands at elevations of 500-1760 m with average annual rainfall of 1227 mm.
Food and Feeding. There is no information available for this species.
Breeding. There is no information available for this species.
Activity patterns. There is no information available for this species.
Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.
Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List (under Cryptomys hottentotus). Data are deficient for an accurate determination of the conservation status of Whyte’s Mole-rat.
Bibliography. Bennett & Faulkes (2000), Burda et al. (2005), Lange & Burda (2005), Lévy et al. (2012), Monadjem et al. (2015).
description: Published as part of Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Bathyergidae, pp. 352-370 in Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona :Lynx Edicions on page 370, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6584692