Fukomys amatus

10.

Zambian Mole-rat

Fukomys amatus

French: Bathyergue de Zambie / German: Sambia-Graumull / Spanish: Rata topo de Zambia

Taxonomy. Georychus amatus Wroughton, 1907,

“Road to Chiwali’s, Alala Plateau.. Alt. 4000 [feet],” Zambia.

Previously, F. amatus was placed as a subspecies of Cryptomys hottentotus. Nevertheless, current molecular and chromosomal data placeit as a distinct species in the genus Fukomys. Monotypic.

Distribution. C Zambia and SE DR Congo.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 105 mm (type specimen), tail 10 mm (type); weight 73-2 g (52-71 g). The Zambian Mole-rat is dark gray to brown; white areas sometimes occur on ventral side and head. It has a cylindrical body and short legs and tail. Chromosomal complement is 2n = 50, FN = 92 or 96.

Habitat. Mesic areas with mean minimum annual rainfall of 889-6 mm.

Food and Feeding. The Zambian Mole-rat is herbivorous.

Breeding. Breeding of the Zambian Mole-rat is aseasonal. Gestation is 90-100 days, and littersize is two young (range 1-2).

Activity patterns. There is no information available for this species.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. The Zambian Mole-rat is colonial, with maximum colony size often.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List (under Cryptomys hottentotus). Conservation status of the Zambian Mole-rat is largely unknown because of lack of data on population status and ecology.

Bibliography. Bennett & Faulkes (2000), Faulkes, Bennett et al. (1997), Macholén et al. (1998).