NAKED MOLE RAT
Heterocephalus glaber
DESCRIPTION
The naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is a small, burrowing rodent native to East Africa. It is known for its hairless, wrinkled skin and unique social structure, living in colonies similar to social insects.
FUN FACTS
- Naked mole rats are resistant to cancer | They can survive in low-oxygen environments | They have a unique social structure similar to that of bees and ants
QUICK INFO
Lifespan30 years in captivity, up to 8 years in the wild
Average Weight30-35 g
Average Length8-10 cm
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuregroup — they live in large colonies with a single breeding female and several non-breeding workers.
Activity PatternNocturnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round
- Habitat
- Naked mole rats inhabit arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in underground burrows. They create extensive tunnel systems that provide shelter and access to food sources.
- Biomes
- Desert, Grassland
- Native Range
- They are native to the eastern regions of Africa, particularly in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia
- Diet
- Naked mole rats primarily feed on underground parts of plants, such as tubers and roots. They have adapted to a diet that is low in nutrients and high in carbohydrates.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- tubers, roots
- Social Structure
- group — they live in large colonies with a single breeding female and several non-breeding workers.
- Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal
- Group Size
- 20-300
- Territorial
- 0
LC
VU
30-35 g
Weight
8-10 cm
Length
- Coloration
- pinkish, hairless skin with wrinkled appearance
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are slightly larger than females
- Lifespan
- 30 years in captivity, up to 8 years in the wild
- Gestation Period
- 70 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 3-12
- Sexual Maturity
- 6-12 months
- Breeding Season
- Year-round
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is generally stable, but local densities can vary based on habitat conditions.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Habitat destruction and climate change are potential threats, but they are not currently considered endangered.
- Predators
- snakes, birds of prey
- Defense Mechanisms
- They have strong teeth for digging and can also use their burrowing skills to escape predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Common