American shrew-mole

American Spitzmull ( Neurotrichus gibbsii )

The American Spitzmull ( Neurotrichus gibbsii ) is a living in western North America mammal of the family of moles ( Talpidae ).

Features

The physique of the American Spitzmulle has certain similarities with those of shrews. The front legs are only slightly broadened and less suitable for digging than other moles. The face has an elongated snout, the eyes are very small, outer ear cups are not available. The soft, dense fur is dark gray or black. With a body length 7-8 centimeters, they are among the smallest moles, the relatively thick tail is 3 to 4 centimeters long, half as long as the body. The weight of adult animals is around 7 to 11 grams.

Distribution and habitat

The distribution of these animals ranges from southern British Columbia (Canada) until the middle of California ( USA) and west-east direction from the Pacific coast to the Cascade Range and the Sierra Nevada. Their habitat ranges from sea level to 2500 meters above sea level. They prefer areas with soft ground such as temperate rain forests. They are widely used and are not among the endangered species.

Way of life

Unlike many other moles to American Spitzmulle often hold on to the earth's surface. You must create paths in rotting plant material on the ground, Sometimes they dig the walkways below the earth's surface. These courses range up to 30 centimeters below the surface and serve mainly as resting places and only sometimes in search of food. While digging they press the earth to the side and not build mole hills. These animals can swim well and climb and sometimes also look at bushes for food.

They are diurnal as well as nocturnal and live in small groups.

Their diet consists of earthworms, woodlice and insects and their larvae. Sometimes they also eat small vertebrates such as salamanders.

Reproduction

The pairing can be done almost throughout the year, it can also buy several litters per year are discharged. The one to four newborn babies in a nest to the world that on the surface, sometimes in bushes up to 1 meter can usually be above the ground. Otherwise, little is known about the reproduction.

System

Formerly American Spitzmulle together with the Japanese Spitz Mullen, lead a similar lifestyle, in a common generic group Spitzmulle ( Urotrichini ) were summarized. However, the similarities with these animals should only be based on convergence.