Cryptomys mechowi — Details

Angolan Giant Mole-rat learn more about names for this taxon

Overview

Distribution

Range Description

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This is a central African species that has been recorded from central Angola, northern Zambia, southern and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (Faulkes et al. 2004, mention a record from Kinshasa at 4°22' S, 15°27' E), and southwestern Tanzania (Ufipa Plateau [not mapped here]). There is a record from northern Malawi (apparently from Rumphi), but this record probably represents another species (and the same may hold true for the specimen from Ufipa).
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Ecology

Habitat

Habitat and Ecology

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Habitat and Ecology
This is a subterranean species that inhabits a variety of soil types (including stony soil, pure sand and clay) in savanna bushland and dense Acacia woodland with an annual rainfal of over 1,100 mm. It is an adaptable species and has been recorded from agricultural land and abandoned fields, gardens, and pine plantations. This is a social species, with colonies generally consisting of between two and 20 individuals (although there may be as many as 40 animals).

Systems
  • Terrestrial
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Life History and Behavior

Life Expectancy

Lifespan, longevity, and ageing

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Observations: Little is known about the longevity of these animals. Specimens held in captivity were living after 10.5 years (Philip Dammann and Hynek Burda, pers. comm.). Probably they can live much longer, though. Litter size increases with parity (Scharff et al. 1999).
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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.

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

Justification
Listed as Least Concern because this species has a relatively wide distribution range, and is common where it occurs. It is highly adaptable, and is often found in agricultural lands and plantations. Although the species is exploited for food, there is currently no reason to expect any significant decline.

History
  • 2004
    Least Concern
  • 1996
    Lower Risk/least concern
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Population

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Population
Although there is no information on recorded densities, the species is very abundant in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia.

Population Trend
Stable
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Threats

Threats

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Major Threats
This species is a major agricultural pest (especially for kasava), for which there have been long-running control projects. The species is also heavily exploited for food, particularly in Zambia, but this is not believed to currently represent a major threat.
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Management

Conservation Actions

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Conservation Actions
This species is lkely to occur in a number of protected areas in Zambia. Further studies of animals from Malawi are needed to clarify their systematic status. There is a need to monitor populations of this species.
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Wikipedia

Mechow's Mole Rat

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Mechow's Mole Rat (Fukomys mechowii) is a species of rodent in the family Bathyergidae. It is found in Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and possibly Malawi. Its natural habitats are moist savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, and subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland.

References

  1. ^ Maree, S. & Faulkes, C. (2008). Cryptomys mechowi. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 5 January 2009.
  • Woods, C. A. and C. W. Kilpatrick. 2005. 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.
Stub iconThis article about a rodent is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
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