Cape Golden Mole - Chrysochloris asiatica:The Cape Golden Mole causes havoc in gardens due to its tunneling activities, although it does include garden pests in its diet of insects and worms. Where the mole digs, it throws up mounds of fresh earth at intervals. The 'runs' they create below the surface can extend for considerable distances, and they are particularly active after rain. The Cape golden mole's leathery snout pad does the work of 'trail-blazing' and the forepaws - each with three claws of different lengths - then excavate in earnest. The young of the Cape golden mole are born in winter, and the mother lines a special breeding chamber with grasses. Golden moles are often confused with molerats, but are quite unrelated: molerats are vegetarian rodents that have a pair of incisor teeth at the front of the jaw, while golden moles have small, sharp teeth suitable for an insectivorous diet. SIZE: Length 11 cm, mass 45 g. COLOUR: Dark brown with a bronze sheen. The underparts are lighter and duller. On either side of the face, buff-coloured bands run from the cheeks to the position of the rudimentary eyes. MOST LIKE: Hottentot Golden Mole - but the face bands are different, and the Cape species is dark brown rather than red-brown. HABITAT: Sandy soil - especially cultivated land, including, as every gardener knows, gardens. South Africa - Eco Travel Guides - Wildlife Guides: Travel Guides: -:- Activities & Interests -:- Regions & Areas -:- Routes -:- Maps -:- Wildlife: -:- Vertebrates: -:- Amphibians -:- Birds -:- Fish -:- Mammals -:- Reptiles -:- |