Ansell’s Mole-rat
- Fukomys anselli
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- Trend: uncomfirmed
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Bathyergidae
- Genus: Fukomys
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General Information
Ansell’s mole-rat (Fukomys anselli) is a species of rodent in the family Bathyergidae that is endemic to Zambia. Its natural habitats are moist savanna and miombo forests.
Fun Facts
Ansell’s mole-rat (Fukomys anselli) is endemic to Zambia.
It is noted for its very long tunnels, up to 2.8 km for a single colony of only ten individuals.
Ecology & Behaviour
A colony can have up to ten individuals and the colonies are made of a eusocial system. They include a main reproductive king and queen that are thought to be faithful to one another.
Ansell’s mole-rats (Fukomys anselli) develop their underground habitat using their anatomical features such as body shape, chiseled teeth, and large jaws to dig through the soil. These long tunnels often branch off at various levels in the soil which allow mole-rats to create the space needed for their survival, such as searching for plants, creating food storage areas, and communicating with other nearby family groups.
Conservation
They are listed on the IUCN Redlist as a “Least Concern”.
Distribution & Habitat
Ansell’s mole-rat (Fukomys anselli) is endemic to Zambia and have been spotted in Lusaka and Chisamba. Its natural habitats are moist savanna and miombo forests.
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