Common Molerat - Cryptomys hottentotus:Molerats constitute a family of rodents confined to Africa. They bear a close resemblance to moles, both in looks and burrowing habits. The Common Molerat is one of the most widely distributed molerats in the subregion. Unlike moles, molerats are not insectivorous: they are vegetarians, and eat fleshy roots, bulbs, tubers, and the underground stolons of several grasses: to this end they have formidable projecting incisors. They also retain their eyes (virtually absent in many moles), although these don't function very well, except in a different way: the corneas are very sensitive to air currents. These and the equally sensitive whiskers and bristle-like hairs on the feet alert the molerat when its burrow has been damaged, which it then quickly repairs. Common molerats live in small colonies (up to 14 individuals) in burrows which they excavate with their incisors and the long claws of their forefeet. Soil loosened in this process is thrown up in a series of mounds, which are well-known to garderners. After rain, molerats burrow more eagerly than ever, constructing tunnels 15 - 20 cm below the surface. They may travel overland at night in search of better feeding grounds: it is then that they are particularly susceptible to predators, such as barn owls. SIZE: Length 15 cm; mass (m) 135 g, (f) 120 g. COLOUR: Ranges from light yellowish-brown to dark slate-grey, with underparts lighter. In the northern part of the distribution area there is usually a white patch on the forehead. MOST LIKE: The Cape Molerat - but the common molerat is smaller and it lacks the Cape species' white snout and throat and white eye and ear patches. HABITAT: A wide variety of terrains, whether the soil is loose and sandy, or heavier, stony and more compact - although they do not burrow in heavy clay. South Africa - Eco Travel Guides - Wildlife Guides: Travel Guides: -:- Activities & Interests -:- Regions & Areas -:- Routes -:- Maps -:- Wildlife: -:- Vertebrates: -:- Amphibians -:- Birds -:- Fish -:- Mammals -:- Reptiles -:- |