Chlorotalpa sclateri (Broom, 1907)

Sclater's golden mole

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) external link Showing: scientific names

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Table of Contents

Morphology

Physical Description

Source and Additional Information
Supplier
Animal Diversity Web external link
Copyright
©1995-2008, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors. Some rights reserved external link
Author
Angela Bierhuizen, University of Michigan
Editor
Phil Myers, Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan
Location
Source URL
View original data object external link
Citation
Bierhuizen, A. 2002. "Chlorotalpa sclateri" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed October 25, 2009 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Chlorotalpa_sclateri.html. 

 

Sclater's Golden Moles range in size from 80 to 110 mm in length. Their golden, fur-covered bodies have special morphological features to aid in digging; wedged shaped skulls, short strong necks, robust shoulders, and forelimbs with large claws (Kingdon 1974). The pelage is glossy brown with a reddish tinge on the sides, the ventral pelage is gray. Sclater's Golden Moles have a claw on their third, front digit which measures about 9 mm. They weigh from 40 to 75 grams (Nowak, 1991; Massicot, 2000).

 

Since most of their time is spent underground, these mammals are blind. They have eyes that are covered by fur and very small ears that are also hidden in fur. Males and females are similar but males tend to weigh more.

 
"Chlorotalpa sclateri (Broom, 1907)". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/1178648". Accessed 20 Mar 2010.