Order Afrosoricida Higher classification Amblysomus | Phylum Chordata Family Chrysochloridae Scientific name Amblysomus hottentotus Rank Species | |
Similar Amblysomus, Cape golden mole, Yellow golden mole, Chlorotalpa, Giant golden mole | ||
Hottentot golden mole underground
The Hottentot golden mole (Amblysomus hottentotus) is a species of mammal in the golden mole family, Chrysochloridae. It is found in South Africa, Swaziland, and possibly Lesotho. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, dry savanna, moist savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, temperate grassland, subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland, sandy shores, arable land, pastureland, plantations, rural gardens, urban areas, and introduced vegetation.
It has several subspecies, including the Zulu golden mole (Amblysomus hottentotus iris) and Knysna golden mole (Amblysomus iris corriae).
In 2013 the hottentot golden mole was discovered to select for larger penis size.