Malagasy golden mole (SciiFii)

The Malagasy golden mole (Eremitalpa madagascariensis), also known simply as the Malagasy mole, is a species of golden mole (which, despite its name, isn't a true mole, but an Afrotherian mammal) that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, and deserts of Madagascar to help boost biodiversity. Like all other golden moles, the build of the Malagasy golden mole is similar to the moles, though they are not related, and it is adapted to a life of digging. The front extremities are remodeled to digging claws; in contrast to most other species of its family, they have three claws each. The tail is physically not visible, there are no auricles, the eyes are covered with fur, and the mouth is bearing a leather-like pad, which also serves for digging. Malagasy golden moles have long silky fur, which is colored gray on cubs and sandy on older animals. With a length of 7.5 to 9 centimeters and a weight of 15 to 25 grams, it is one of the smallest member of its species. Like many other golden moles, the Malagasy golden mole most often builds lasting tunnels, although it rarely makes short-lived tunnels. It "swims" through the sand and soil just under or on the surface while searching for food. Besides insects (which constitute the majority of its food), including termites, and other invertebrates, its diet consists of small reptiles such as skinks. It is mainly a nocturnal animal, resting by day in small caves beneath sheltering plants. It is a solitary animal, with stomping grounds averaging 4.6 ha. When foraging at night, the animal will alternate between moving over the surface, dipping its head into the substrate (detecting low frequency vibrations through the ground), and "swimming" through the sand and soil. The conservation status of the Malagasy golden mole is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the Malagasy golden mole's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii