Damara Mole-rat
Fukomys damarensis
Points
20
per confirmed sighting
Damara Mole-rat.
Fukomys damarensis
Category
mammals
Family
Bathyergidae
Size
Adults in published studies span roughly 80–280 g, with wild individuals often lighter than captive animals.
Points
20 pts
A closer look
Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding damara mole-rat in its natural range.
Overview
How to identify it
Habitat
Semi-arid sandy savanna and grassland where extensive burrow systems can be excavated.
Diet
Herbivorous subterranean feeder, specialising on underground storage organs such as bulbs, tubers and roots.
Behaviour
When to look
Subterranean and polyphasic rather than simply day- or night-active.
Where to see it
South Africa
Namibia
Botswana
Zimbabwe
AngolaSafety and etiquette
Observe from a safe distance and never handle or feed wildlife.
Verification and sources
1500 verified species across ten Southern African countries. Spotted an error? Tell us through community guidelines.