American pointed mole rat
| American pointed mole rat | ||||||||||||
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American pointed mole rat ( Neurotrichus gibbsii ) |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name of the genus | ||||||||||||
| Neurotrichus | ||||||||||||
| Günther , 1880 | ||||||||||||
| Scientific name of the species | ||||||||||||
| Neurotrichus gibbsii | ||||||||||||
| ( Baird , 1857) |
The American pointed mole ( Neurotrichus gibbsii ) is a species of mammal from the mole family (Talpidae) living in western North America .
features
The body structure of the American shrew mole shows certain similarities with those of the shrews . The front legs are only slightly widened and less suitable for digging than those of other moles. The face has an elongated snout, the eyes are very small, and there are no external auricles. The soft, dense fur is dark gray or black in color. With a head body length of 7 to 8 centimeters, they are among the smallest moles, the relatively thick tail is 3 to 4 centimeters long and half as long as the body. The weight of adult animals is around 7 to 11 grams.
distribution and habitat
The distribution area of these animals extends from southern British Columbia ( Canada ) to central California ( USA ) and in a west-east direction from the Pacific coast to the Cascade Range and the Sierra Nevada . Their habitat ranges from sea level to 2500 meters above sea level. They prefer areas with soft soil such as temperate rainforests . They are widespread and are not endangered species.
Way of life
In contrast to many other moles, American pointed moles often stay on the surface of the earth. They create paths in the rotting plant material on the ground, and sometimes they also dig passages below the surface. These passages reach up to 30 centimeters below the surface of the earth and are mainly used as resting places and only sometimes for foraging. When digging, they push the earth to one side and do not build molehills. These animals are good at swimming and climbing, and sometimes foraging in bushes as well.
They are both diurnal and nocturnal and live in small groups.
Their diet consists of earthworms , woodlice as well as insects and their larvae. Sometimes they also eat small vertebrates such as salamanders .
Reproduction
The mating can take place almost all year round, several litters can also be carried out per year. The one to four newborns are born in a nest that is usually on the surface of the earth, sometimes even in bushes up to 1 meter above the ground. Otherwise, little is known about reproduction.
Systematics
In the past, American pointed mullet (Urotrichini) were grouped together with the Japanese pointed mullet , who lead a similar way of life. The similarities with these animals, however, should only be based on convergence .
literature
- Ronald M. Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. 2 volumes. 6th edition. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD et al. 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9 .
- Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Eds.): Mammal Species of the World . A taxonomic and geographic Reference. 2 volumes. 3. Edition. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 .
Web links
- Neurotrichus gibbsii in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2006. Posted by: Insectivore Specialist Group, 1996. Accessed on 10/02/2007.