During such ventures they feed on grasses, seeds, superficial roots, and perhaps insects. They, in turn, are sometimes preyed upon by owls. Population densities in the Soviet Union are usually around 1-10 per ha. Blind mole-rats are solitary creatures, and except during the breeding season only a single individual is found per mound or burrow system. Vocalizations include grunting noises, quite unlike the usual rodent squeak, and a hissing threat.
Breeding is thought to occur only once a year, in the spring, and litter size is about three young.
Some populations, however, are being adversely affected by human activity. The Soviet Union now classifies the species S. graecus, S. arenarius, and S. giganteus as rare.