Bathyergus janetta, Thomas & Schwann, 1904

Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Bathyergidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 352-370 : 367

2.

Namaqua Dune Mole-rat

Bathyergus janetta

French: Bathyergue namaquois / German: Namaqua-Strandgraber / Spanish: Rata topo de dunas de Namaqua

Other common names: Namaqgua Dune Mole Rat, Namaguan Dune Blesmol, Small Dune Mole-rat

Taxonomy. Bathyergus janetta Thomas & Schwann, 1904 ,

Port Nolloth, coastal Little Namaqualand, north-western Cape Province, South Africa.

This species is monotypic.

Distribution. S Namibia and W South Africa (W Northern Cape).

Descriptive notes. Head-body 170-235 mm (males) and 170-205 mm (females), tail 41-52 mm (males) and 40-50 mm (females); weight 242-710 ¢g (males) and 195-540 g (females). The Namaqua Dune Mole-rat is smaller than the Cape Dune Mole-rat ( B. suillus ) and considerably more colorful; dorsal pelage ranges from gray to silvery gray, with a blackish strip leading from head region to rump; ventral surface of pelage is more silvery gray. The Namaqua Dune Mole-rat has short, bushy tail; hairs around eyes and ear pinna are light; and feet are pinkish with short bristles. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 54, FN = 104.

Habitat. Sandy soils near highly arid, coastal dunes.

Food and Feeding. The Namaqua Dune Mole-rat is herbivorous and eats geophytes and bulbs; it does not drink standing water.

Breeding. Breeding of the Namaqua Dune Mole-rat occurs during rainy period in July-September. Litter sizes are 1-7 young, and gestation is a minimum of 52 days.

Activity patterns. Burrowing activity of Namaqua Dune Mole-rats is greatest during rainy periods; they excavate burrows with claws.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Average lengths of burrows are 71:2-165 m, and home ranges are 430-3—-1181-3 m? The Namaqua Dune Mole-rat is solitary and territorial with individuals occupying different burrow systems.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List.

Bibliography. Bennett & Faulkes (2000), Bennett et al. (1991), Herbst & Bennett (2006), Herbst et al. (2004), Jarvis (2013), Jarvis & Bennett (1991), Maree, Faulkes & Griffin (2008a), Nevo et al. (1986), Skinner & Chimimba (2005), Woods & Kilpatrick (2005).

Figures

1. Silvery Mole-rat (Heliophobius argenteocinereus), 2. Namaqua Dune Mole-rat (Bathyergus janetta), 3. Cape Dune Mole-rat (Bathyergus suillus), 4. Cape Mole-rat (Georychus capensis), 5. Common Mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus), 6. Ghana Mole-rat (Fukomys zechi), 7. Nigerian Mole-rat (Fukomys foxi), 8. Ochre Mole-rat (Fukomys ochraceocinereus), 9. Bocage’s Mole-rat (Fukomys bocagei), 10. Zambian Mole-rat (Fukomys amatus), 11. Ansell’s Mole-rat (Fukomys anselli), 12. Katue Mole-rat (Fukomys kafuensis), 13. Mechow’s Mole-rat (Fukomys mechowu), 14. Caroline’s Mole-rat (Fukomys vandewoestijneae), 15. Whyte’s Mole-rat (Fukomys whytei), 16. Damara Mole-rat (Fukomys damarensis), 17. Mashona Mole-rat (Fukomys darlingi)

Distribution. S Namibia and W South Africa (W Northern Cape).