Cape Dune Mole Rat
Bathyergus suillus
Silhouette: Kai R. Caspar · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassMammalia (Mammals)
- OrderRodentia (Rodents)
- FamilyBathyergidae (African Molerats)
- GenusBathyergus (Dune Molerats)
- SpeciesBathyergus suillus (Cape Dune Mole Rat)
About the Cape Dune Mole Rat
The Cape dune mole-rat (Bathyergus suillus) is a species of solitary burrowing rodent in the family Bathyergidae. It is endemic to South Africa and named for the Cape of Good Hope. The Cape dune mole-rat is the largest of all the blesmols, measuring 27 to 35 centimetres (11 to 14 in) in head-body length, with a short, 3 to 4 centimetres (1.2 to 1.6 in) tail. Males are generally much heavier than females, weighing anything from 570 to 1,350 grams (20 to 48 oz), compared with typical female weights of 590 to 970 grams (21 to 34 oz).
Both sexes are sturdy, large-bodied rodents, with blunt snouts, cylindrical torsos and short limbs. The forefeet are heavily adapted for digging, with powerful curved claws. To enable to move more quickly through tight tunnels, the body has few visible external features; for example, there are no pinnae or scrotum, and the penis retracts into a concealed sheath. Lip-like flaps of skin are able to close behind the incisors, preventing soil from falling into the mouth. The eyes are small, but not permanently closed.
Unlike its relative the naked mole-rat, the Cape dune species has a thick pelt of soft fur over its entire body. It is cinnamon... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Cape Dune Mole Rat in Garden Route National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Garden Route National Park
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Otomys irroratus
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Dendromus melanotis
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Graphiurus ocularis
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Dendromus mesomelas
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Table Mountain National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 2 | Garden Route National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Cape Dune Mole Rat in Garden Route National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Cape Dune Mole Rat sighting in Garden Route National Park, based on 27 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Cape Dune Mole Rat in Garden Route National Park?
May has the highest sighting rate for Cape Dune Mole Rat in Garden Route National Park in our monthly data.