A small, secretive, and truly fascinating mammal that lives in the coastal deserts of Namibia and South Africa. It’s one of the few animals in the world that’s perfectly adapted to life in dry, sandy environments — and it does so without needing to drink water. Despite its name, it’s not actually related to moles or rodents, but belongs to a unique group of African insectivores known as golden moles. Covered in shiny, iridescent fur that can look bronze, gold, or even greenish in sunlight, Grant’s golden mole is a creature that’s both beautiful and bizarre.

What really sets this little animal apart is how it “swims” through sand instead of digging tunnels like other moles. Its body is streamlined, its legs are strong and short, and it has powerful forefeet with flattened claws, allowing it to dive into loose sand and move beneath the surface with ease. It’s completely blind and earless, relying instead on touch and vibration to navigate its underground world. Its leathery nose and closed nostrils keep out sand, while its dense fur acts like a protective coat against heat and debris.

Grant’s golden mole is a solitary, nocturnal hunter that feeds on insects, larvae, and small invertebrates. It emerges at night or during cool times to search for food near the surface, leaving behind only faint tracks that vanish with the wind. During the day, it buries itself deep in the sand to avoid the heat. It doesn’t need to drink water, getting all its moisture from its prey — a perfect adaptation for surviving in the desert without access to fresh water.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Namibia

LC

2014

South Africa

VU

2014