One of the world’s most unusual and secretive rodents, perfectly adapted for a life lived almost entirely underground. Found mainly in the steppes and semi-desert regions around the northern Caspian Sea, this creature looks nothing like a typical rat. Its most distinctive feature is what it doesn’t have—functional eyes. Instead of normal eyes, it has tiny vestigial spots covered by skin and fur, making it completely blind. But blindness is no handicap here—deep beneath the soil, vision isn’t useful, and the giant blind mole-rat instead relies on its sensitive whiskers, strong sense of smell, and remarkable hearing to navigate the tunnels it calls home.

What really sets the giant blind mole-rat apart from other rodents is its incredible burrowing ability. Using its powerful teeth and muscular head, it digs vast underground tunnel systems where it spends nearly its entire life. Its front teeth protrude slightly even when its mouth is closed, allowing it to dig with its jaws while keeping dirt out. Unlike many burrowing animals that use their claws, this mole-rat’s primary digging tools are its teeth, which act like chisels to cut through hard soil. These tunnel systems serve as protection from predators, shelter from extreme weather, and storage for food. Compared to smaller mole-rat species, the giant blind mole-rat’s burrows are deeper, wider, and more complex, reflecting its larger size and need for space.

Diet is another feature that makes this rodent distinct. The giant blind mole-rat is strictly herbivorous, feeding on roots, bulbs, and underground stems. It often pulls plants down into its burrow, storing food in hidden chambers for later use. In doing so, it plays an important role in shaping its ecosystem—by digging and feeding on roots, it helps aerate the soil and influences plant growth.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

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Comments

Russia

LC

2016