Altai Mole

About this species

Diet

Mainly earthworms

Habitat

Forested taiga

Range

South-central Siberia to northern Mongolia and Kazakhstan

The Altai mole, also called the Siberian mole, is a fossorial member of Talpidae with the compact cylindrical body, reduced eyes, short tail, and broad outward-turned forefeet expected of a digging mole. Its scientific literature includes several former names, reflecting regional variation across Siberia. The opened species account did not give dependable external measurements, so size is omitted rather than borrowed from European moles. (Wikipedia, general species account)

It occurs through forested taiga in south-central Siberia and reaches northern Mongolia and Kazakhstan. Earthworms are reported as its principal food. Most activity occurs underground in tunnel systems, making surface sightings unusual; raised soil and runs are more likely signs than an animal in the open. The opened account supplied no Mongolia-specific locality, seasonal behaviour, or any dependable seasonal breeding figures. (Wikipedia, general species account)

Description: Wildlife of Mongolia guide, Wildlife of Everywhere (wildlifeofeverywhere.com); general species information paraphrased from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)