Creature Feature: De Winton’s Golden Mole

Written By Nur Schlenker

De Winton’s golden mole has been severely impacted by mining activities and other threats on the South African west coast, and many thought it was close to extinction, if not actually extinct.

Golden moles have a streamlined, torpedo-like body covered in dense, iridescent golden fur, and they lack external ears and visible eyes. They have powerful forelimbs with large claws for digging, a wedge-shaped head with a leathery nose pad to protect their nostrils, and webbed hind feet for pushing dirt.

Its surface tunnels often collapse, leaving little trace of its whereabouts. But after over 100 years of supposed extinction, they have been discovered among the dunes! They usually live in coastal sandy areas in southern Africa, and swim through the sand. Thus, they are an animal you should know more about!

Nur Schlenker

Nur is an 8th grader many readers will remember from Nur’s baking corner. She is a mole, fashionista, official Baker Of The Council (I just bring baked goods occasionally to student council meetings even though I am not on student council), and book Affectinado. They will most likely be writing about baked goods, good books, and anything else that picks her fancy.

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Interview With Student Council Members