Marsupial mole
The marsupial mole is a unique burrowing mammal native to the deserts of central Australia, belonging to the family Notoryctidae. There are two species: the southern marsupial mole (Notoryctes typhlops) and the northern marsupial mole (Notoryctes caurinus). These small creatures measure about five to six inches in length and weigh between 1 and 1.5 ounces. Distinctively, they have short limbs with large forepaws equipped with flat claws for digging, and they lack functional eyes, relying instead on their other senses to navigate their sandy environments.
Marsupial moles primarily feed on insects, particularly moths and beetle larvae, foraging both underground and on the surface. They are nomadic by nature, creating temporary burrows as they move through their habitat, which includes river flats and grasslands. Their solitary lifestyle features a pouch for females to carry their young. While little is known about their natural predators, they are vulnerable to foxes, dingoes, cats, and snakes. Due to their elusive nature and the challenges of studying them in their natural desert habitat, many aspects of their behavior and ecology remain a mystery.
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Marsupial mole
Little is known about the marsupial moles of Australia's central desert region. They eat moths and beetle larvae and appear to be nomadic (wandering and not staying in a permanent burrow).
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Notoryctemorphia
Family: Notoryctidae
Genus: Notoryctes
Species: Various (see below)
The southern (Notoryctes typhlops) and northern (Notoryctes caurinus) marsupial moles are distinct from other moles and the only members of their family, Notoryctidae. These moles are between five and six inches (13 and 15 centimeters) long with a one-inch (2 1/2-centimeter) stubby tail and weigh between 1 and 1 1/2 ounces (28 to 42 grams). They have short, stubby limbs. Their forepaws are larger than their hind paws and have two very large, flat claws for digging. A bare patch of thick skin on top of their snouts acts as a shield in pushing dirt aside when they dig. They have a pale yellow coat of silky fur. Marsupial moles have small nose slits, and their ear holes are hidden in their fur. They do not have functioning eyes.
Marsupial moles burrow in the sandy soil in river flats and grasslands in the deserts of central Australia. These burrows are between 4 inches and 8 1/5 feet (10 centimeters and 2 1/2 meters) long. As they burrow, they find insects like moths and beetle larvae. They also feed on the ground's surface. It is unknown what preys on these moles or what they do for protection other than burrowing to escape. Foxes, dingoes, cats, birds, and snakes prey on marsupial moles.
Marsupial moles are difficult to study, and little is known of these mysterious burrowing creatures. They do not dig permanent burrows but travel about and sleep in temporary burrows. They are solitary, and the female has a pouch for her young.
The lifespan of marsupial moles is under two years in captivity.
Bibliography
Glyshaw, Paul. "Notoryctes Typhlops." Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Notoryctes‗typhlops. Accessed 1 May 2024.
"Notoryctidae - Marsupial Moles." PBS, nhpbs.org/wild/notoryctidae.asp. Accessed 1 May 2024.
Turnbull, Tiffanie. "Northern Marsupial Mole: Rare Blind Creature Photographed in Australian Outback." BBC, 4 Apr. 2024, www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-68720246. Accessed 1 May 2024.
Wasleske, Ben. "Notoryctes Caurinus." Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Notoryctes‗caurinus. Accessed 1 May 2024.