Amblysomus

The Kupfergoldmulle ( Amblysomus ), also African golden moles and Kupfermulle are a mammalian genus from the family of golden moles ( Chrysochloridae ). The genus includes five species that are native to southern Africa.

Features

As with all gold Mullen the physique of these animals is adapted to an underground grave lifestyle. They are similar to moles, with whom they are not related. The forelimbs are modified into grave tools, they should bear two large grave claws. As with all gold Mullen a tail is not externally visible, the ear cups are missing, the eyes are covered with fur and snout wearing a leather-like upholstery, which also serves the digging activity. The name is derived their reddish brown coat color, the underside is usually somewhat brighter. Depending on the angle the fur can have a green metallic sheen. The body length of these animals is 9 to 14 inches, the weight 40 to 100 grams.

Way of life

The way of life is better explored in one species, the Hottentot Goldmull, but should be similar in all species. Like all golden moles they live mostly underground, where they create transitions just below the surface in search of food and deeper passages and burrows as resting places. They live in different habitats, both in forests and in grasslands and mountains up to 3,300 meters above sea level.

Kupfergoldmulle are more active during the day and live like all golden moles are solitary that react aggressively to conspecifics. Especially during the rainy season, they go in search of food, the weather is too hot or too cold, they fall into a torpor.

The food of these animals consists of insects, their larvae and earthworms.

At the birth of the young, the female creates a cushioned with grass construction. There, she brings her one to three pups, which will remain under construction until they reach a weight of 35 to 45 grams. Then they are sold by the mother.

The types

In this genus five types can be distinguished:

• The Hottentot Goldmull ( Amblysomus hottentotus ) is the most widely used and best-researched article The distribution area is located in southeastern South Africa ( Eastern Cape provinces and KwaZulu -Natal) and in the adjacent parts of Swaziland and Mozambique.
• Amblysomus corriae was formerly regarded as a subspecies of the Hottentot Goldmulls. The species lives on the south coast of South Africa ( Western Cape ).
• Amblysomus marleyi inhabited a small, only about 5,000 sq km in the province of KwaZulu -Natal. The species is listed by the IUCN as endangered ( endangered ).
• Amblysomus robustus living in a small area in the Highveld region in the South African province of Mpumalanga. According to IUCN, the species is endangered ( vulnerable ).
• Amblysomus septentrionalis is native to the South African provinces of Mpumalanga and Free State. The IUCN lists it as Near Threatened ( near threatened ).

Another way Amblysomus iris is no longer performed today as independent. The two species of the genus Neamblysomus were also formerly included in Amblysomus.