Natal Mole-rat
Cryptomys natalensis
Points
20
per confirmed sighting
Natal Mole-rat.
Cryptomys natalensis
Category
mammals
Family
Bathyergidae
Size
Published adult body-mass data report males averaging about 108.8 g and females about 77.3 g in a large sampled series.
Points
20 pts
A closer look
Field notes for spotting, identifying and understanding natal mole-rat in its natural range.
Overview
How to identify it
Habitat
Mesic grassland and upland soils of the south-eastern African interior where it constructs extensive burrow systems.
Diet
Species-specific quantitative diet was not resolved in the checked literature; it is a subterranean feeder, but no broader taxonomic diet profile is presented as a measured species value.
Behaviour
When to look
Polyphasic/ultradian underground activity.
Where to see it
South Africa
Mozambique
Eswatini
LesothoSafety 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.