Naked Mole Rats

Naked mole rats, also known as sand puppies, are small, burrowing rodents native to East Africa. They are the only species of mammal that are truly and completely subterranean, meaning they live their entire lives underground. They are known for their wrinkled, hairless skin and their unique, buck-toothed appearance.

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Scientific Name

Heterocephalus glaber

Average Lifespan

Up to 30 years

Average Size

4-6 inches in length

Similar To

Moles, meerkats, hamsters, guinea pigs

Lifecyle

Naked mole rats reach sexual maturity at the age of one year. Females usually give birth to one or two litters of between three and twelve pups each year. The pups are born blind and helpless, but they grow quickly and reach full size within three months.

Diet

Naked mole rats are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of plant roots, tubers, and bulbs. They also eat insects, larvae, and other small invertebrates.

Habitat

Naked mole rats live in complex underground burrows in arid and semi-arid regions of East Africa. They are most commonly found in the deserts of Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya.

What are Naked Mole Rats?

Naked Mole Rats (Heterocephalus glaber) are a type of burrowing rodent that are native to East Africa. They are unique in their appearance, with wrinkled, hairless skin that ranges from pink to gray in color. They are also notable for their social behavior, living in large underground colonies with a queen and several breeding males.
What do Naked Mole Rats eat?

Naked Mole Rats are herbivores, primarily feeding on the roots and tubers of plants. They have specialized teeth that allow them to gnaw through tough underground vegetation, as well as a highly efficient digestive system that allows them to extract as many nutrients as possible from their food.
How long do Naked Mole Rats live?

Naked Mole Rats have a remarkably long lifespan for a rodent, with some individuals living up to 30 years in captivity. In the wild, their lifespan is typically shorter, averaging around 6-8 years.
Why are Naked Mole Rats important to study?

Naked Mole Rats have a number of unique biological traits that make them fascinating to study. They are one of the only known eusocial mammals, meaning that they live in highly organized communities with a division of labor among individuals. They are also resistant to cancer, and their cells have been found to have a number of unusual features that may hold clues to developing new cancer treatments.
Can Naked Mole Rats be kept as pets?

Naked Mole Rats are not typically kept as pets, as they have specialized needs and are not well-suited to living outside of a colony. Additionally, they are not legal to own in all areas, so it is important to check local laws and regulations before considering keeping a Naked Mole Rat as a pet.
How do Naked Mole Rats survive in their underground burrows?

Naked Mole Rats have a number of adaptations that allow them to thrive in their underground environment. They have a highly efficient respiratory system that allows them to extract oxygen from the stale, low-oxygen air in their burrows. They also have a highly evolved sense of touch, with sensitive whiskers that allow them to navigate their dark, winding tunnels. Additionally, they have a unique ability to tolerate high levels of carbon dioxide, which builds up in their burrows due to their limited ventilation.
Are Naked Mole Rats endangered?

Naked Mole Rats are not currently considered endangered, as they are widespread throughout their native range in East Africa. However, they are threatened by habitat loss due to human activities such as agriculture and urbanization, and their burrowing activities can sometimes damage crops and infrastructure.
How do Naked Mole Rats communicate?

Naked Mole Rats communicate using a variety of methods, including vocalizations, physical touch, and chemical signals. They have a complex system of chirps, grunts, and other vocalizations that they use to communicate with one another, as well as a highly developed sense of touch that allows them to pick up subtle vibrations and movements. They also use scent marking to establish territory and communicate with other members of their colony.
Do Naked Mole Rats have any predators?

Naked Mole Rats are preyed upon by a variety of predators in their native habitat, including snakes, birds of prey, and other carnivores. However, their complex social structure and underground burrows make it difficult for predators to successfully catch them.
How do Naked Mole Rats reproduce?

Naked Mole Rats have a highly unusual reproductive system, with a single queen in each colony responsible for producing all of the offspring. Breeding males in the colony mate with the queen, and the other members of the colony are sterile and work to support the queen and her offspring. Naked Mole Rats have a gestation period of around 70 days, and litters typically consist of 1-3 pups.
Can Naked Mole Rats see?

Naked Mole Rats have very poor eyesight, as their eyes are small and covered in skin. However, they have a highly developed sense of touch and rely on their whiskers and sense of smell to navigate their environment.
What is the habitat of Naked Mole Rats?

Naked Mole Rats are found in a variety of habitats in East Africa, including grasslands, savannas, and deserts. They are adapted to living in underground burrows, and their colonies can be found in a variety of soil types, from sandy soils to heavy clays.

10 Fun Facts About

1. Naked mole rats can live up to 30 years, making them one of the longest-lived rodents in the world. 2. They are the only known mammal to be eusocial, meaning they live in colonies with a single breeding female and several non-breeding males and females. 3. Naked mole rats have a very low metabolism, allowing them to survive on very little oxygen. 4. They are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature is the same as their environment. 5. Naked mole rats are immune to cancer. 6. They are also resistant to many types of pain, including acid and capsaicin. 7. They have a very poor sense of sight, but an excellent sense of smell. 8. Naked mole rats are able to survive in environments with very little oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels. 9. They have a unique ability to survive in extreme temperatures, ranging from -4°F to 96°F. 10. They have a very low water requirement, and can survive for long periods of time without drinking water.