Naked Mole Rat – More Than Meets The Eye
The naked mole rat (*Heterocephalus glaber*), a fascinating rodent native to East Africa, has captured the interest of scientists and nature enthusiasts alike due to its unique adaptations for survival in harsh underground environments. Measuring between 3 to 4 inches in length and weighing around 1.1 to 1.2 ounces, these remarkable creatures are characterized by their almost hairless, gray-pink skin, small eyes, and a specialized set of teeth that allows them to efficiently dig through the soil. Their burrowing prowess is complemented by a unique ability to navigate their subterranean tunnels both forward and backward with equal agility. Living primarily in the dry tropical grasslands of regions like Somalia, Kenya, and southern Ethiopia, naked mole rats thrive in complex tunnel systems that can extend up to three miles long, housing colonies that range from 20 to 200 individuals.
Socially, naked mole rats exhibit a highly organized structure reminiscent of eusocial insects, such as bees and ants. Each colony is dominated by a single queen and a few breeding males, while the majority of the population consists of sterile worker rats. These workers are divided into two distinct roles: some are tasked with digging and gathering food, while others serve as soldiers to protect the colony. The queen, who can live between 13 to 18 years, maintains her dominance through aggressive behavior towards other females, ensuring that her lineage continues. This intricate social hierarchy not only supports their survival but also showcases their ability to adapt to the challenges of their environment, including periods of food scarcity where they can reduce their metabolic rate to conserve energy.
In addition to their unique social structure, naked mole rats are known for their extraordinary dietary habits. They primarily consume large tubers found underground, which can sustain a colony for extended periods. Remarkably, they also practice coprophagy, eating their own feces to maximize nutrient absorption. Despite their tough living conditions, naked mole rats are not considered a threatened species and are widespread across their native habitats. Their resilience and unique biological traits have made them a subject of interest in scientific research, particularly in the field of cancer studies, as these remarkable rodents are known for their resistance to cancer, providing valuable insights into potential treatments and prevention strategies. As we continue to explore the mysteries of the naked mole rat, their story serves as a testament to the wonders of evolution and adaptation in the animal kingdom.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5DcOEzW1wA
The
naked mole rat
(
Heterocephalus glaber
) is a
rodent
, known for its burrowing and is indigenous to East Africa. The mole rat possesses a number of characteristics which allow it to survive in underground and harsh environments.
The average naked mole rat is between 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 centimeters) in length and weighs between 1.1 and 1.2 ounces (30 to 35 grams). They have small eyes, poor sight, and have legs that are quite short and thin. They are also able to move backward and forward at the same quick pace and have large teeth that allow them to dip. The term “naked” comes from the fact that they have very little hair and gray-pink skin.
The species is highly adapted to situations in which oxygen is limited within tunnels of their habitat. The lungs are small and their blood is greatly able to bond oxygen. They have very low metabolic and respiration rates. During periods of drought and hunger, the metabolic can decrease further to about 25% of its normal level.
The naked mole rat lives predominantly in the dry tropical grasslands in East Africa with large concentrations being concentrated in Somalia, Kenya, and southern Ethiopia. Groups of around 80 individual mole rats (although it can be as few as 20 and as many as 200) live within a complex burrowing system within the African desert. These tunnel systems can be quite long, between two to three miles in length.
There is a complex hierarchical structure where one queen and between 1 and 3 males reproduce, the other naked mole rats are workers and sterile. Dimorphism exists between the males, two forms of workers (tunnel digging/gathering and soldiers), and the breeding males. The breeding males and the queen can keep up their relationship for several years. The queens can live for a period of between 13 and 18 years and are quite hostile towards other females. Upon the death of the queen, another female will become queen in her place.
The naked mole rat mostly eats large tubers that they find underground during their mining exhibitions. However, they are also known for eating their own fecal matter. One tuber, depending upon its size, can feed a colony for several months or years as they only eat the inside of the tuber. They leave the outer parts so that the tuber is able to regenerate.
Naked mole rats are currently not a threatened species. Although their living conditions are tough, they are a widespread species.
Naked mole rats help in cancer research, because they never get cancer (
read here
).
