Is a giant golden mole poisonous?

Is a giant golden mole poisonous?

There are no known adverse effects of giant golden moles on humans.

What is a giant golden mole size?

7.9 to 9.4 inches
characteristics. The largest is the giant golden mole (Chrysospalax trevelyani) of South Africa, with a body 20 to 24 cm (7.9 to 9.4 inches) long; it is a forest dweller that dens in burrows but travels and forages along the surface.

Where do giant golden moles live?

South Africa
Habitat. The giant golden mole is a subterranean small mammal, living in chambers and passages underneath a very specific habitat, forests with soft soil, deep leaf litter layers, and well-developed undergrowth. The giant golden mole is endemic to South Africa, mostly in a restricted area in the Eastern Cape.

Why is the giant golden mole endangered?

Golden moles live underground in the sandy soil under grasslands with scattered trees and bushes (also known as bushveld). 11 out of 25 species of golden moles are endangered due to habitat loss (and/or destruction) and because they are often killed by cats and dogs.

Is golden mole endangered?

Not extinct
Golden mole/Extinction status

How many golden moles are left?

Status. Of the 21 species of golden mole, no fewer than 11 are threatened with extinction. The primary causes are sand mining, poor agricultural practices, increasing urbanisation, and predation by domestic cats and dogs.

How does a giant golden mole defend itself?

Digging through soil can be quiet challenging for a mammal and this species has evolved incredible ways to protect itself. Their eyes are covered with skin and their noses are pink and tapered with a leather pad to protect the nostrils.

How do giant golden mole protect itself?

What is the rarest mole in the world?

giant golden mole
The giant golden mole, the largest, rarest, and most endangered of the golden moles, is about 8 inches (20 centimeters) long and weighs as much as 19 ounces (538 grams).

Can you keep Golden moles as pets?

Unfortunately, though adorable in appearance, moles should not be kept as pets. One reason for this is that they do not handle stress well. To put this into perspective, a few hours above ground could easily stress moles to death.

Can you keep golden moles as pets?

Are golden moles actually moles?

Golden moles, of the Chrysochloridae family, resemble true moles, Talpidae, in physical form, behavior and diet. But golden moles are actually related to other African mammals such as aardvarks, elephants and elephant shrews. Golden moles are completely blind; they locate their prey by sound, smell and touch.

How big does a giant golden mole get?

Size: Body: 8 – 9.5 in (20 – 24 cm) Tail: absent. As its name implies, the giant golden mole is the largest of its family and weighs up to 3 lb (1.5 kg). It is a rare species and is now on the brink of extinction. Giant golden moles hunt above ground for beetles, small lizards, slugs and giant earthworms.

Is the golden mole on the brink of extinction?

It is a rare species and is now on the brink of extinction. Giant golden moles hunt above ground for beetles, small lizards, slugs and giant earthworms. When disturbed they dart unerringly toward their burrow entrance and safety, but how they are able to locate it is not known.

Are there any true golden moles in Africa?

There are no species of true mole in Africa. Their niche is filled by another group of insectivores called the golden moles. Found mainly in dry sandy areas, golden moles lead entirely subterranean lives, feeding mainly on insects, such as termites.

How did the golden mole get its name?

Golden Mole. The 18 species of golden moles bear a close resemblance to the true moles, but are, in fact, only distantly related. They have cylindrical bodies, short powerful limbs and no visible tail. Their fur is thick and dense and the metallic lustre it imparts gives the group its name.