The Big-headed African Mole Rat (Tachyoryctes macrocephalus) is a unique rodent species in the family Spalacidae. It is also known as the giant root-rat or Ethiopian African mole rat. This amazing animal is known for its large size, especially its head! It is sometimes called the big-headed African mole-rat, giant root-rat, big-headed mole-rat, Ethiopian African mole rat, or giant mole rat.
A Big-headed African Mole Rat
Habitat and Distribution
The big-headed African mole rat lives only in the Bale Mountains of Ethiopia. This means it is an endemic species. It is endemic to Ethiopia's Bale Mountains. Its natural home is in high-altitude grassland areas. These are places high up in the mountains that are covered in grass. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland, where it can reach densities of up to 2,600 individuals per square kilometre. It lives in high-altitude grasslands and is an important part of its ecosystem.
The Ethiopian Highlands, the natural habitat of the Big-headed African Mole Rat
Physical Characteristics
These mole rats are easy to spot because of their large size. Their heads are especially big compared to their bodies. Tachyoryctes macrocephalus typically have small eyes and thick russet fur. They have large upper teeth called incisors that are especially prominent. The hair is usually gray at its base, and the head is significantly larger than the rest of the body. The eyes are placed near the top of the forehead and are sometimes called "periscopes" due to their ability to scan for predators. Individuals usually lack a part of the ear called a pinna. The limbs are typically short with claws, and individuals have short tails. Their weight can range between 160 grams to 930 grams.
Read also: Experience Fad's Fine African Cuisine
Ethiopian Wolf Vs. Mole Rat
Behavior and Diet
Unlike some other mole rats, this species mostly finds its food above ground. While the other mole rats not only live but also feed underground, this species mostly forages above ground, by digging a new tunnel to a patch of herbage. The rodents typically eats grasses nearby their burrows and spend the majority of their time underground. It mostly eats grasses and herbs, with some individuals feeding mostly on roots. Then, it eats the grasses and herbs around its tunnel for about 20 minutes. It forages for about 20 minutes, until it has exhausted the supply of herbs about its tunnel, after which it blocks the tunnel it has built from the inside. Once the food is gone, it blocks the tunnel from the inside.
Predation and Survival
Even though they eat above ground, big-headed mole rats keep their digging skills. This is because they face constant danger from predators. It retains its specializations for digging tunnels because of the constant threat of predators, especially the Ethiopian wolf, which is specialized to a diet of mole rats. Their main predator is the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis). Ethiopian wolves often wait for a mole rat to dig a new foraging tunnel. Ethiopian wolves catch mole rats by ambushing them after they have constructed a new foraging tunnel, chasing them into their tunnel, and then vigilantly waiting for them to resurface. When the mole rat comes out, the wolf tries to catch it. These mole rats have also developed other ways to protect themselves. They are very cautious and careful.
Conservation Status
It is threatened by habitat loss.
Key Facts About the Big-Headed African Mole Rat
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tachyoryctes macrocephalus |
| Other Names | Giant root-rat, Ethiopian African mole rat |
| Habitat | High-altitude grasslands in the Bale Mountains of Ethiopia |
| Diet | Grasses and herbs, sometimes roots |
| Predators | Ethiopian wolf |
| Conservation Status | Threatened by habitat loss |
Read also: The Story Behind Cachapas
Read also: Techniques of African Jewellery
