Marley's golden mole (Amblysomus marleyi) belongs to a group of blind, subterranean mammals that originated in Africa at least 40 million years ago (3). The golden moles are so named not because they are golden coloured, but because the fur typically has an iridescent sheen of coppery gold, green, purple or bronze (2) (4). Like other burrowing insectivores, Marley’s golden mole has a compact, streamlined body with thick, tough skin and sleek, moisture repellent fur. The limbs are short, but the powerful forelimbs are equipped with curved, pick-like claws for cutting through soil, while the hindfeet are webbed, with short claws, for pushing loose earth backwards. The muzzle is wedge-shaped and terminates in a leathery pad that protects the nose, and prevents soil from entering the nostrils. Dense fur conceals the small ears, and the vestigial eyes are covered in hairy skin. Although tail vertebrae are present under the skin, the tail is not visible externally (2) (3) (4) (5). The dorsal fur of Marley’s golden mole is dark reddish brown, while the underparts vary from orange through to dull brown (2) (6).
Marley’s golden mole was traditionally recognised as a subspecies of the much more widespread Hottentot golden mole (Amblysomus hottentotus), but was raised to full species rank on account of its more delicate size and smaller, narrower skull (2) (6).
- 30 - 34 g (2)