habitat_narrative

Terrestrial

Cape Dune Mole-rats are subterranean and occur in loose sandy and loamy soils along South Africa’s south and west coast, and alluvial sandy soils in riverine habitats. This species is one of few mammals considered endemic to the Cape Floristic region of south-western Africa (Visser et al. 2014), and along with Georychus capensis, has a clear preference for Fynbos vegetation (Mugo et al. 1995). Cape Dune Mole-rats are most commonly associated with sandveld habitats (Bennett and Faulkes 2000), and adapt successfully to landscapes transformed by humans, such as wheat fields, other agricultural areas and road verges. This species is often regarded as a pest on sporting areas (golf courses, bowling greens and tennis courts), and on wheat farms, where their mounds cause damage to reaping machine blades. It also undermines roads and chews through cables and irrigation pipes.

Cape Dune Mole-rats are generally solitary with individual burrows. They are seasonal breeders and produce between one and six young per litter (Hart et al. 2006). They consume underground roots and bulbs, as well as grasses and green forbs from above ground (Davies and Jarvis 1986). Independent from water, they are able to meet moisture requirements from food. It has a generation lenght of two years.

Similar to other Mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus and Georychus capensis), the Cape Dune Mole-rat is an important eco-engineer and plays a role in modifying soil properties and increasing the humic content of the sands in which it occurs (Hagenah and Bennett 2013). Burrowing activities by mole-rats may also enhance infiltration and the water holding capacity of soil (Hagenah and Bennett 2013).