Kafue Mole-rat
- Fukomys kafuensis
- IUCN Status: Vulnerable
- Trend: decreasing
General Information
The Kafue mole-rat (Fukomys kafuensis) is a species of rodent in the family Bathyergidae that is endemic to Zambia.
Fun Facts
The Kafue mole-rat is endemic to Zambia. It is a social animal that is believed to have similar habits to Ansell’s Mole-rat (Fukomys anselli).
Ecology & Behaviour
Very little is known about this species biology. it is a social animal and is believed to have similar habits to Fukomys anselli.
Distribution & Habitat
The Kafue mole-rat is endemic to Zambia and can only be found in the kafue national park area and surrounding districts in an estimated area 18,184 km².
This subterranean species has been recorded from grasslands, cultivated fields and agricultural land close to villages.
Diet
Very little is known about this species biology. it is a social animal and is believed to have similar habits to Fukomys anselli.
Reproduction
Very little is known about this species biology. it is a social animal and is believed to have similar habits to Fukomys anselli.
Conservation
Ths species is assessed as Vulnerable because its extent of occurrence (EOO) is estimated to be 18,184 km², it is currently known from Itezhi-Tezhi in the Kafue National Park in the southern Province of Zambia, and there is continuing decline in the number of mature individuals due to hunting for food and for pest control.
Interaction with Humans
The Kafue mole-rat is abundant in the kafue flats area but there is reason to be believe that the population is declining because of overharvesting and due to pest control. Whilst there is a lack of in depth information on threats facing the species, it is thought that human consumption is likely to be a threat as well direct persecution as it is regarded as a pest.
References
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- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Bathyergidae
- Genus: Fukomys
