Spalacidae – Spalacids

Members of this family have a rounded, mole-like body, decreased eyes, short, dense fur, and tiny limbs, all of which are adaptations for a fossorial lifestyle. There is a lot of muscle mass in their necks and heads. Each mouse lives in its own burrow system and protects its unique territory, whose size fluctuates with its age, sex, and size.

The extensive burrowing of these rodents has a negative effect on plant diversity by altering the availability of soil nutrients, air, and water. Aside from that, their burrows are occasionally used as safe havens by other smaller animals.