Thursday, 09 February 2012
Mole
Scientific Name:
Talpa europaea
Weight:
Around 80grams, with the female being lighter than the male.
Lifespan:
2 - 5 years Description
Moles have cylindrical bodies, black fur and tiny eyes, which are difficult to see for the thick fur surrounding them, and while they have ears, they are not visible. They have a small snout and tail, both covered in sensory hairs. The hairs around the face and nose are used to detect worm and insect movement. When moving through their tunnels the tail is held erect to brush the tunnels walls, allowing the fine sensory hairs on it to detect vibrations passing through the ground.
Moles do not hibernate and are active throughout the year.
Distribution
Widespread throughout mainland Britain but absent in Ireland.
Habitat
Underground
Predators
Moles live on the surface as well as underground, but usually only emerge from their tunnels at night and therefore are prey mainly for Owls and Foxes.
Reproduction
They have one litter a year consisting of between 2-7 young, with breeding taking place between February and June. The young are fully mature after 5 weeks.
Status
Not in endangered species list
Did You Know?
A Mole's surface tunnels can be dug at the rate of 18 feet an hour and a 5 ounce Mole will consume between 45 - 50lbs of worms every year. A moles saliva contains toxins that can parlyze earthworms, enabling the mole to store them for later consumption.
Footprint Description
Hind foot has 5 digital pads, with short but distinct claws,interdigital pad sometimes does not show in tracks. Only claws of fore foot show in prints,being adapted so the animal walks on the side of this foot.
Footprint Size
1.5x1cm.
Track Images
