Cape dune mole-rat
A species of Dune mole-rats Scientific name : Bathyergus suillus Genus : Dune mole-rats
Cape dune mole-rat, A species of Dune mole-rats
Scientific name: Bathyergus suillus
Genus: Dune mole-rats
Content
Description General Info
Description
The Cape dune mole-rat is the largest of all the blesmols, measuring 27 to 35 centimetres (11 to 14 in) in head-body length, with a short, 3 to 4 centimetres (1.2 to 1.6 in) tail. Males are generally much heavier than females, weighing anything from 570 to 1,350 grams (20 to 48 oz), compared with typical female weights of 590 to 970 grams (21 to 34 oz). Both sexes are sturdy, large-bodied rodents, with blunt snouts, cylindrical torsos and short limbs. The forefeet are heavily adapted for digging, with powerful curved claws. To enable to move more quickly through tight tunnels, the body has few visible external features; for example, there are no pinnae or scrotum, and the penis retracts into a concealed sheath. Lip-like flaps of skin are able to close behind the incisors, preventing soil from falling into the mouth. The eyes are small, but not permanently closed. Unlike its relative the naked mole-rat, the Cape dune species has a thick pelt of soft fur over its entire body. It is cinnamon-brown with greyish underparts, and few, if any markings. Like other blesmols, the Cape dune mole rat has a relatively low body temperature for its size, of about 35 °C (95 °F), and is not able to tolerate cold weather above ground. 
General Info
Lifespan
4-6 years
Diet
The primary diet of cape dune mole-rat consists of plant roots and tubers which they excavate with their robust claws. These subterranean rodents, subsist mostly on nutrient-rich underground items and exhibit a deep preference for geophytes and their corms.
Appearance
The cape dune mole-rat is a medium-sized rodent with a robust cylindrical body. It has fine, dense fur which is often sandy-brown, matching the substrate of its habitat. It does not have a visible tail, but sports sharp, strong claws on its forefeet for digging. Its most noteworthy feature is the peculiar rump, adorned with thick callous pads that are used for excavating soil and moving backwards in tunnels.
Behavior
Cape dune mole-rat is a solitary, subterranean and diurnal species, known for its robust construction of complex burrow systems. It displays significant sexual dimorphism, with males defending their territory aggressively. Its survival is aided by specialized behavior, such as foraging underground for plant roots and tubers, avoiding surface predators.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Gnawing mammals Family
Blesmols Genus
Dune mole-rats Species
Cape dune mole-rat 
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