Naked Mole Rat

Heterocephalus glaber

A tight-knit community

There is a strict hierarchy in the “court” of the naked mole rats: like bees and ants, these rodents live in worker colonies led by a queen. At her side is a dominant male with whom she mates. A single naked mole rate colony comprises some 75 to 80 individuals.

Charakteristics

Origin
Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya
Habitat
the savannahs of eastern Africa
Diet
tubers, roots and bulbs
Status
least concern

Size
13 cm
Weight
Worker approx. 35 g, queen up to 60 g
Gestation period
70 days
Achievable age
up to 28 years

Threat Categories of IUCN

Snuggle buddies

As naked mole rats are completely furless, they have no way to keep warm on their own. They have therefore developed a few tricks for generating heat when it gets cold, including group hugs and shivering together.

Did you know?

These animals are immune to cancer.
Their skin is wrinkled so that it doesn’t tear if
they get caught on roots.

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