Calcochloris

Calcochloris is a mammalian genus from the family of golden moles ( Chrysochloridae ). The genus includes three species that are native to central and 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 claws grave. The grave claw of the middle finger is the largest, the other claws are much smaller. 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 fur color varies from golden yellow to brownish and is often brighter than the other golden moles. These animals can reach a body length of about 10 to 11 centimeters and are therefore among the smaller members of their family.

Way of life

Over the life of these animals, little is known. Like all golden moles they live mostly underground, where they create programs for foraging and as resting places. You should solitary life and solid areas inhabit. The diet should consist of insects and earthworms.

Systematics and species

• Calcochloris leucorhina is known from Cameroon, the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo and northern Angola. How large is the area of ​​distribution really is, is not known.
• Calcochloris obtusirostris lives in southeastern Zimbabwe, southern Mozambique and eastern South Africa. The species inhabits sandy soils.
• Calcochloris Tytonis is only known from a single specimen, which was found in Somalia in Gewölle an owl. Since the Fund is only partly preserved and their home field is located away from the area of ​​distribution of the remaining golden moles, the exact taxonomic status of these species is still unclear.

In older classifications leucorhina C. and C. Tytonis were still classified in the genus Chlorotalpa. However, morphological analyzes suggest any affiliation with Calcochloris.