About Amblysomus hottentotus (A.Smith, 1829)
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
The Hottentot golden mole, with the scientific name Amblysomus hottentotus (A. Smith, 1829), is a mammal species that belongs to the golden mole family Chrysochloridae.
Distribution Range
It can be found in South Africa and Eswatini, and may also occur in Lesotho.
Natural Habitats
Its natural habitats include temperate forests, subtropical or tropical dry lowland forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, dry shrubland, dry grassland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, savanna, temperate grassland, sandy shores, arable land, pastureland, plantations, rural gardens, and urban areas.
Subspecies
This species has multiple recognized subspecies, one of which is the Zulu golden mole (Amblysomus hottentotus iris).
Mating Preference
In 2013, researchers discovered that Hottentot golden moles prefer to mate with individuals that have larger penises.
