Mechow'S Mole Rat

Photo Ark

Mechow's Mole Rat

Scientific Name Cryptomys mechowi

Photo Taken At Houston Zoo, Houston, Texas, USA

IUCN Red List Status Least Concern

Population

Although there is no information on recorded densities, the species is very abundant in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. Read More

Threats

This species is a major agricultural pest (especially for Cassava), for which there have been long-running control projects. The species is also heavily exploited for food, particularly in Zambia, but this is not believed to currently represent a major threat. Read More

Geographic Range

This is a central African species that has been recorded from central Angola, northern Zambia, southern and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (Faulkes et al. 2004, mention a record from Kinshasa at 4°22' S, 15°27' E), and southwestern Tanzania (Ufipa Plateau [not mapped here]). There is a record from northern Malawi (apparently from Rumphi), but this record probably represents another species (and the same may hold true for the specimen from Ufipa). Read More

Habitat

This is a subterranean species that inhabits a variety of soil types (including stony soil, pure sand and clay) in savanna bushland and dense Acacia woodland with an annual rainfall of over 1,100 mm. It is an adaptable species and has been recorded from agricultural land and abandoned fields, gardens, and pine plantations. This is a social species, with colonies generally consisting of between two and 20 individuals (although there may be as many as 40 animals). Read More

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RECENTLY ADDED SPECIES

Maree, S. & Faulkes, C. 2016. Fukomys mechowi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T5756A22185092. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T5756A22185092.en

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