Damaraland Mole Rat

The Damaraland Mole Rat, or Damaraland blesmol (Cryptomys damarensis) is a burrowing rodent found in sub-Saharan Africa. Along with the smaller, less hairy Naked Mole Rat, it is one of only two known eusocial mammals.

Named after Damaraland, Namibia, the Damaraland Mole Rat lives in continually excavated networks of underground tunnels, which it digs with its front teeth, which are essentially outside its mouth. Thus, while burrowing tunnels, it can bite away the soil in front of it while keeping its mouth closed.

The Damaraland Mole Rat lives in eusocial colonies of up to 40 individuals dominated by a single breeding pair.

Often compared to the Naked Mole Rat for its many characteristic similarities, the Damaraland species is different in several ways. Aside from being bigger and more hairy, it is also less vocal, making only some birdlike chirps. The colonies are generally less numerous than those of the Naked Mole Rat.

Sources

[http://nationalzoo.si.edu/publications/zoogoer/2002/3/nakedmolerats.cfm The Naked Truth about Mole-Rats, Smithsonian National Zoological Park]
[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5332495 Mole-Rats, Ants Making Science Headlines, NPR, April 8, 2006]
[http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20060624/bob9.asp Naked and Not: Two species of mole rats run complex societies underground, Science News Online]