Bathyergus janetta — Details

Namaqua Dune Mole Rat learn more about names for this taxon

Overview

Distribution

Range Description

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This species has been recorded from southern Namibia and western South Africa. There are three isolated populations, one from Alexander Bay, Orange River, the second from Port Nolloth to Groen Rivier, and the third from Steinkopf to Kamieskroon and the Kamiesberg (South Africa). The species rarely occurs above 300 m asl.
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Ecology

Habitat

Habitat and Ecology

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Habitat and Ecology
This species is found in areas of coastal sand dunes, and consolidated alluvial soils with mean annual rainfall less than 400 mm. It is a subterranean and largely solitary species. Between two and seven young are born after a gestation period of 52 days. The species has a generation length of two years.

Systems
  • Terrestrial
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Conservation

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List Assessment

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Red List Category
LC
Least Concern

Red List Criteria

Version
3.1

Year Assessed
2008

Assessor/s
Maree, S., Faulkes, C. & Griffin, M.

Reviewer/s
Amori, G. (Small Nonvolant Mammal Red List Authority) & Cox, N. (Global Mammal Assessment Team)

Justification
Listed as Least Concern because, Although the extent of occurrence is less than 20,000 km², and the potential impact of diamond mining remains to be quantified, there is, at present, no reason to believe that the species is declining, and its presence in areas entirely restricted to public access (and with extremely high protection).

History
  • 2004
    Least Concern
  • 1996
    Lower Risk/near threatened
  • 1994
    Vulnerable
    (Groombridge 1994)
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Population

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Population
Population densities of this species are greater inland, with up to 44 individuals per sq km.

Population Trend
Unknown
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Threats

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Major Threats
The species is threatened by some loss of habitat through diamond mining operations in the coastal range. Although mining is a threat, public access to these regions is entirely restricted.
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Management

Conservation Actions

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Conservation Actions
The species occurs within Sperrgebiet (Namibia), which, while lacking government protection, has a very high level of protection. Long-term population monitoring of this species is needed.
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Wikipedia

Namaqua dune mole rat

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The Namaqua Dune Mole Rat (Bathyergus janetta) is a species of rodent in the Bathyergidae family. It is found in Namibia and South Africa. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, caves, and sandy shores. The IUCN assessment states that :

Although the extent of occurrence is less than 20,000 km², and the potential impact of diamond mining remains to be quantified, at present there is no reason to believe that the species is declining, and its presence in areas entirely restricted to public access (and with extremely high protection) suggest it should be Least Concern.

References

  1. ^ Maree, S., Faulkes, C. & Griffin, M. (2008). Bathyergus janetta. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 5 January 2009.
  • Woods, C. A. and C. W. Kilpatrick. 2005. Hystricognathi. Pp 1538-1600 in Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference 3rd ed. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder eds. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington D.C.
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