Marsupial mole

Big Beutelmull ( Notoryctes Typhlops )

Beutelmulle form the marsupial order Notoryctemorphia with only one family ( Notoryctidae ), a genus ( Notoryctes ) and two kinds: Great Beutelmull ( N. Typhlops ) and Small Beutelmull ( N. caurinus ). The family relationship of these animals to the other marsupials is unclear, it is with them to a safe 50 million years old branch of the marsupials.

Dissemination

Beutelmulle inhabit sandy desert areas in the interior of Australia. The Great Beutelmull inhabited large parts of the continent, while the Small Beutelmull occurs only in a small area in the north-western Western Australia.

Description

From the size and physique the Beutelmulle resemble the placental Gold Mullen. They are approximately 9 to 18 cm long, this is a short, hard cock. The color of the fur varies from white to pink to red gold. The body of these animals is perfectly adapted to the grave lifestyle. The third and fourth toes of the forelimbs is enlarged blade-like, the other fingers are small but have claws. The front and rear legs are so short that they are hidden in the fur and only the feet are visible. The tail is stubby -shaped and surrounded by firmer skin.

On the nose there is a yellow sign with Querwülsten horn that is used in digging. Small ear openings are located under the skin of the head, they can be closed by a fold of skin. The eyes are almost completely formed and covered by muscles and skin. The neck vertebrae are fused together. This improves the stability at the grave thrusting movements.

Way of life

Beutelmulle have not completely subterranean in its habits such as moles. Rather, "swim" through the sand it, no deeper than 8 cm below the surface. They also leave no permanent tunnel because the transitions collapse immediately behind them. In between, they come for short distances to the surface again.

Beutelmulle are loners. They give little noises, and if they do, weak, chirping sound.

Food

The food of Beutelmulle consists primarily of insect larvae. In addition, insects and occasionally seeds are eaten.

Reproduction

Little is known about the reproduction of Beutelmulle. In the males, the testes are located in the body. Females have a flat bag which is open to the rear. He is longitudinally divided by a fold of skin and is in each half of a teat. Females dig permanent holes in which the offspring is placed in the bag well after time.

Threat

Both species have been classified by the World Conservation Union IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as endangered ( Endangered ) 1996. Since 2008, they are not recognized because of insufficient data available (Data Deficient ).