Taxonomic name: Heterocephalus glaber
Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN)
Wild Range: Grassy, semi-arid habitats in East Africa primarily in Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya.
Diet: Roots, succulent tubers, and other underground parts of plants. They don't drink any water!
Longevity in the wild: 10-30 years.
Size: Usually 7.5 cm long
Weight: Usually 28-42 g; up to 57 g (soldiers) or 71 g (queen)
Naked mole rats are not currently under any known immediate threats in the wild. Farmers sometimes see them as pests, but naked mole rats love farmers! The abundance of root veggies and crops in farm fields gives naked mole rats vast territory to snack from.
Fun fact: Naked mole rats are one of the only eusocial mammals, meaning only one female in the colony (the queen) breeds and most other members spend their lives working for the colony! If a predator enters the colony, the workers will notify the soldiers who defend the colony form the intruder using teeth and claws.
Visit our naked mole rats at the Kinsmen Discovery Center!
