Sand mole rat. Mole rat animal. Lifestyle and habitat of the mole rat. Description of the common mole rat

- with another. In general, this species is usually lighter in color. In particular, the back, head, back and sides of the body of an adult animal are pale, yellowish-fawn-gray. The bases of the hair are grey. In the area of ​​the forehead and cheeks, whitish-gray tones with a faint yellowish tint predominate. Fawn-yellowish tones are often mixed in the back of the head. The fur of the ventral side is gray, with an admixture of pale yellowish shades in the abdominal area.

The sand mole rat is distributed exclusively within the Lower Dnieper (Aleshkinsky) sands of the Kherson region (the left bank of the Dnieper River south of Kakhovka). According to E.G. Reshetnik (1941), it settles mainly on poorly moistened sandy soils of the chernozem type. Absent on shifting sands devoid of vegetation - kuchugurs. The characteristic habitat of this species within the Golopristansky district of the Kherson region is abundantly and moderately overgrown sand, mosaically alternating with kuchugurs. It is especially numerous in areas where the plant communities are dominated by field eryngium, field wormwood, Ukrainian salsify, pearl cornflower, common pigweed, Gmelin's oxwort, Dnieper thyme, sheep fescue, imbricated wheatgrass, common broom, furrowed fescue, common holoschenus, Colchis sedge, mountain ec sandy, goat. In most cases, the habitats of the sand mole rat coincide with those of the mole rat (Scirtopoda telum Licht.). Within the Ivano-Rybalchansky forested area of ​​the Black Sea Nature Reserve, it is also found in birch groves. Completely absent on the coast of Tendrovsky Bay, Tendrovsky Spit and adjacent islands. The number is quite high (7-10 individuals per 1 hectare).

The burrows of the sand mole rat have much in common in their structure with the burrows of the Podolsk mole rat. However, in habitats associated with sandy soil, their feeding passages usually lie at greater depths than those of the common, Podolsk and Bukovinian mole rats. Thus, according to E. G. Reshetnik (1941), the sand mole rat in the conditions of the Lower Dnieper sand arena makes horizontal passages at a depth of 40-50 cm, which is due to sufficient moisture, and therefore compaction of the soil, as well as a temperature threshold, which for a given species should not exceed 27° C. The giant mole rat also makes feeding passages at a similar depth (Anisimov, 1938). In addition, the depth of the vertical passages of the sand mole rat usually slightly exceeds 100 cm, which is most likely due to excess moisture at great depths associated with quite high level groundwater. The location of the discarded heaps of earth in relation to the main feeding passage in the sand mole rat is similar to that of the Podolsk mole rat, since the length of the holes through which the earth is transported to the outlet usually does not exceed 25 cm. This hole is in most cases inclined in relation to the feeding passage at an angle of approximately 45°. The size of external earth emissions in the sand mole rat approximately coincides with those in the Podolsk mole rat.

Information about the nutrition of the sand mole rat is extremely scarce. One can only assume that among the food of, for example, the sand mole rat, plants that are most numerous in the phytocenoses of the habitats of this species predominate. Among them, the most favorite is salsify, the roots of which are found in abundance in the animal’s reserves (Reshetnik, 1941).

Diagnosis. The dimensions are significantly smaller than those of the giant mole rat (body length 190-234-275 mm; hind foot 22-26-30 mm; condylobasal length of the skull 42.4-51.0-59.0 mm; length top row permanent molars 8.3—8.7—9.9 mm; length bottom row permanent molars 7.8—8.1—8.7 mm). The rostral part of the skull is greatly expanded and spatulate. The relative width of the nasal and premaxillary bones is the same as in the previous species. The frontonasal and frontomaxillary sutures, like those of the giant mole rat, form an angle with the apex directed forward. The anterior outer edges of the zygomatic arches are sharply bent downwards. The masseter platform is shortened; its length is approximately equal to the distance between the anterior ridge of the latter and the suture of the premaxillary and maxillary bones. Alveolar tubercles are removed from leading edge alveoli M1 at a distance exceeding the length of the first permanent molar or approximately equal to it (in young and sub-adult specimens). The hard palate at the level of the anterior permanent molars is expanded; its width in adult and old specimens is one and a half times or more the length of M1.

Alveolar ridge lower jaw significantly exceeds the articular one in height (in adults and old specimens). Description. The rostral region of the skull is generally similar to that of S. giganteus. The nasal opening is widened, high; the ratio of its width and height to the length of the series of permanent molars is respectively 78.1–84.6–90.8 and 38.6–43.2–50.0 in adult and old specimens; 71.8—75.3—79.5 and 35.7—38.0—40.0 in young and subadults. The nasal bones are relatively narrow in front; the ratio of their anterior width to the length of the row of permanent molars is 87.5–94.7–100.0 for adults and old and 77.6–82.6–87.2 for young and subadults. The length of the nasal bones, as in the giant mole rat, in the vast majority of cases is less than the combined length of the frontal and parietal bones. The structure of the frontonasal and frontomaxillary sutures is generally similar to that of S. giganteus. However, the nasal bones are on average longer than those of the previous species; the ratio of their length to that of M1-M3 is 241.0-250.6-257.9 in adult and old specimens and 210.5-214.5-216.9 in young and sub-adults. The postorbital constriction, on average, appears to be less pronounced than in the giant mole rat; the ratio of the postorbital width to the length of the row of molars is 71.6–81.3–89.8 in adults and old and 96.5–99.5–102.3 in young and subadult specimens. The frontoparietal section is elongated.

The parietal bones are shortened, narrowed; the ratio of their length and width (each separately) to the length of a number of permanent molars is 105.2-125.2-137.5 and 33.0-44.2-51.2 in adults and old people; 113.1—124.5—130.1 and 62.7—68.1—71.1 in young and subadults. The nature of the structure of the sagittal crest, frontoparietal and frontotemporal sutures is the same as in the previous species. The upper diastema and hard palate are elongated; the value of the diastema-dental index is 230.0—249.9—266.7 in adults and old specimens and 178.3—184.2—195.2 in young and subadults, and the ratio of the length of the hard palate to the length of the row of permanent molars is respectively 363.6—393.4—418.4 and 313.0—321.3—332.1 . The structural features of the masseter area, alveolar tuberosities and hard palate are noted in the diagnosis. To what has been said above, we can only add that the alveolar tubercles of the sand mole rat are generally less developed than those of the giant mole rat. The structure of the anterior parts of the zygomatic arches is generally similar to those of S. giganteus. Their anterior-outer edges are strongly deflected downwards, forming a zygomatic angle equal to or greater than 45°. The outer wall of the infraorbital foramen is slightly widened from above in adult and old specimens; its smallest width is approximately equal to the length of the anterior permanent molar or even slightly exceeds the latter. The infraorbital foramen itself is relatively higher than in the previous species; its greatest diameter (height) exceeds the length of the upper row of permanent molars. Only in some cases do these measurements coincide. The internal crest of fossa glenoidea is sharply defined, the articular surface itself is narrowed and elongated. The base of the occipital bone is widened, and therefore the auditory tympani are widely spaced. Thus, the greatest distance between the outer edges of the lateral pharyngeal tubercles significantly exceeds the length of M1-M3. The structure of the auditory drums is generally similar to that of the giant mole rat; the ratio of width to length of the row of permanent molars is 90.6–96.1–103.4. The occipital region of the skull is relatively high; the magnitude of the ratio of the height, occipital bone, measured from the superior edge of for. magnum, to the greatest width of the back of the head - 45.4—51.0—59.3.

The upper incisors are widened; the ratio of width to anteroposterior diameter is 108.3—119.0—130.0. Their anterior surface is flattened.
M1(length 2.4-2.6-2.9 mm; width 2.4-2.5-2.9 mm; ratio of width to length 85.7-96.3-108.3) on average, apparently, relatively wider than that of the previous species. According to the configuration of the enamel loops of the rubbing surface, it resembles the molars of the same name in the giant mole rat, however, the tendency towards separation of the protocone and hypocone is early stages abrasion is more pronounced. The metacone is fused with the posterior collar in all stages of wear. The order of closing the incoming loops into the marks is the same as in the previous type. In the vast majority of cases, there are two roots - a powerful posterior-internal one (formed by the fusion of the posterior external and internal roots) and a weak anterior external one.

M2(length 2.1-2.3-2.5 mm; width 2.3-2.6-2.9 mm; ratio of width to length 100.0-113.3-126.1) in terms of the structure of the rubbing surface is generally similar to the molars of the same name in the giant mole rat. There are two roots - a powerful anterior-internal one (merged anterior external and internal roots) and a poorly developed posterior external one.

M3(length 1.8-1.9-2.4 mm; width 2.0-2.1-2.4 mm) on average relatively narrower and longer than the previous species; the ratios of width to length and the latter to that of the previous permanent root are respectively equal to 95.6–109.5–120.0 and 80.0–87.9–100.0. In young and sub-adult specimens, the protocone and hypocone are fused in the vast majority of cases, and therefore the tooth is characterized by the presence of only one incoming loop in the outer row. The external additional tubercle is always absent. The anterior and posterior external roots are fused with the internal roots almost throughout their entire length.

All upper permanent molars are significantly smaller than those of the giant mole rat.

Lower jaw with elongated diastema; the value of the diastema-dental index is 100.0—117.4—126.6 in adults and old specimens and 84.3—101.3 in young and subadults. The horizontal branch is relatively high; the ratio of its height, measured at the level of the posterior edge of the M1 alveolus to the length of the lower row of permanent molars is 118.1 - 123.0 - 132.0 in adult and old specimens and on average 111.3 in young and subadults. The alveolar process is high, and in adults and old people it is significantly higher in height than the articular process. The height of this process, measured from inside, always exceeds the length of the lower row of permanent molars (the value of the corresponding index for the sand mole rat is 102.5—116.6—132.5). Incisura corono-alveolaris is stepped due to the strong development of the anterior ridge of the alveolar process, which also extends significantly onto the coronoid process. The latter is in most cases taller than that of the previous species, although in some specimens a type of structure is observed that is generally similar to that of the giant mole rat. The outer surface of the rgos. coronoideus is stepped, which is associated with the overlap of the crest of the coronoalveolar notch. Depending on the height of the coronoid process, the nature of the structure of the coronary articular notch also varies: asymmetrical with a shortened prox. coronoideus, symmetrical - when elongated. The ridges of the coronal-alveolar and coronary-articular notches in front are developed approximately equally, and therefore the fossa between them is much deeper than in the previous species. The jaw opening is elevated to the edge of the coronary articular notch; removed from the crest of the latter at a distance noticeably less than 2/3 of the length of the condylus. Articular surface of the rgos. condyloideus narrowed; ratio of width to length 38.8—45.2-48.2.

The lower incisor is widened; ratio of width to anteroposterior diameter 100.0—103.9—109.0.

M1(length 2.4-2.7-2.8 mm; width 2.4-2.5-2.7 mm; ratio of width to length 88.9-93.1-100.0) in young and sub-adult specimens is characterized by an anterior internal tubercle that is not fused with the anterior collar, and therefore with the protoconid - metaconid. In addition, in the early and middle stages of wear, the tooth bears traces of an entoconid. The protoconid and hypoconid are fused at all stages of abrasion, but a tendency towards separation is still observed in very young specimens. An additional tubercle in the external incoming loop is always absent. Since a tooth in the early and middle stages of wear has a free metaconid, the number of incoming loops in the inner row in young and sub-adult specimens is 2. With age, due to the fusion of the metaconid with the anterior collar, the anterior incoming loop is reduced. Sometimes the roots tend to merge.

M2(length 2.2-2.3-2.4 mm; width 2.6-2.7-2.8 mm; ratio of width to length 113.0-117.2-127.2), as in the previous species, expanded. In terms of the configuration of the rubbing surface and the nature of the structure of the roots, it is generally similar to the molars of the same name in the giant mole rat.

M3(length 2.3-2.4-2.6 mm; width 2.1-2.3-2.6 mm; ratio of width to length 88.0-98.9-104.3) relatively narrow. In general, it is similar to the permanent molars of the same name in the giant mole rat, but unlike the latter, the protoconids and hypoconids on the teeth of young and sub-adult specimens are in the vast majority of cases separated. The tooth is characterized by the presence of two roots, which in most specimens are fused along almost the entire length.

Measurements. Condylobasal length of the skull is 42.4—51.0—59.0 mm; the main length of the skull is 39.6—47.4—56.0 mm; length of nasal bones 17.7—20.8—23.9 mm; the combined length of the parietal and frontal bones is 18.2—21.8—24.9 mm; length of parietal bones 9.5—10.8—12.7 mm; length of the upper diastema 15.2—19.8—24.4 mm; length of the hard palate 26.5—32.2—38.6 mm; length of the upper row of permanent molars 8.3–8.7–9.6 mm; width of the nasal opening 6.1—7.1—8.0 mm; incisal width 7.8—9.5—11.2 mm; the width of the nasal bones in front is 6.6 - 7.9-9.6 mm; rostral width 10.4–12.6–14.7 mm; postorbital width 6.8–7.7–8.8 mm; width of two parietale 4.9—8.0—12.6 mm; width of the parietal bone along the lambdoid crest 2.9–4.5–6.1 mm; zygomatic width 31.3—39.9—45.6 mm; the greatest width of the occiput is 29.2–33.5–40.1 mm; length of auditory drums 10.8—12.8—15.0 mm; width of auditory tympani 7.7–8.4–9.1 mm; width of the upper incisor 2.6—3.3—4.0 mm; anterior-posterior diameter of the upper incisor 2.2-2.7-3.6 mm; height of the nasal opening 3.1—3.5—4.8 mm; condylar length of the lower jaw 31.8–36.2–39.0 mm; angular length of the lower jaw 32.6—36.4—38.2 mm; length of the lower diastema 7.0—9.0—10.1 mm; length of the lower row of permanent molars 7.8–8.1–8.7 mm; the thickness of the horizontal branch at the M2 level is 4.7–5.3–5.9 mm; internal height of the alveolar process is 7.4—9.2—10.6 mm; width of the lower incisor 3.0—3.5—4.0 mm; the anteroposterior diameter of the lower incisor is 3.0—3.4—3.9 mm.

The sand mole rat is a form more specialized for the burrowing lifestyle. This is evidenced by the presence of elongated upper and lower diastemas, a skull that is relatively high in the occipital region, widened upper and lower incisors, relatively high horizontal branches and the alveolar process of the mandible, and the latter is also characterized by a highly developed crest of the coronary-alveolar notch in its anterior section.

At the same time, the species, just like S. giganteus, has retained more complicated permanent molars, which indicates not only its relative primitiveness as a whole, but also a more pronounced adaptation to feeding on tough, coarse in mechanical composition plant foods, in other words, to live in a drier climate than mole rats from the microphthalmus group. The latter is partially confirmed also in the previously described structural features of the upper masseter platform (in terms of the degree of development in the sand mole rat it occupies an intermediate position between the giant mole rat and species from the microphthalmus group) and the zygomatic arches (massive, strongly deflected downward in the anterior-outer sections).

Distribution and geological age. Nizhnedneprovskaya sand arena (Aleshkinsky sands). The western border is the coast of the Dnieper and the Dnieper estuary, the eastern border is approximately along the Kakhovka-Brilevka line, the southern border is along the Brilevka-Ivanovka line. The species' range is apparently relict in nature. Modern, no fossil remains known.

Literature: Mole rats. Topachevsky V. A. In the series: Fauna of the USSR, Mammals, vol. III, no. 3. 1968. Publishing house "Science", Leningrad. department, L. 1-248.

The common mole rat is completely devoid of vision, instead it has tactile hairs, a well-developed sense of smell and hearing. This is enough for the animal to live a normal life, during which it almost never sees sunlight. For many land owners, the mole rat has become a real punishment, because it is capable of digging up the entire planting area and even affecting the stability of the buildings located there.

Few people have seen common mole rats in person due to their lifestyle. They rarely come to the surface, and their activity increases with the onset of darkness. So many people have to get some idea of ​​the size and lifestyle of the animal only from the traces it leaves. To help those who want to know how the common mole rat lives and looks, here are photos and stories from biologists.

Description of the common mole rat

The maximum length of these rodents reaches 32 cm, and their weight is 700 g. They have an elongated body in the shape of a cylinder, a short neck, paws and tail, and a head flattened at the top. The animals' ears are barely noticeable, and their eyes are hidden under the skin and completely atrophied. The color of different individuals may have some differences.

The short, soft fur of mole rats usually looks like a mixture of brown, gray and brown shades in varying proportions, sometimes with light spots on the head and body. The rodent is usually colored black. When first meeting a mole rat, the upper and lower incisors that are pushed far forward are striking.

Where do common mole rats live?

For permanent habitat, the common mole rat usually chooses a steppe or forest-steppe. He likes to settle near beams, along roads dividing fields, and forest roads. It can be found in Russia, Ukraine and Moldova. In the northern part of its range, the common mole rat is considered rare, although it is the most common species of its genus, which also includes sandy, giant, Bukovina and Podolsk mole rats.

IN this moment The conservation of the species' numbers is threatened by land plowing, measures to improve the properties of the land and plant protection. Meanwhile, it cannot be said that this type is on the verge of extinction. The relevant organizations are concerned only about the conservation of populations in some northern and southern zones, where the common mole rat lives. The Red Book of the International Union for Conservation has it in its lists. In view of this, catching animals in certain areas is prohibited, and human activities in their indigenous habitats are limited.

How do common mole rats live?

An ordinary mole rat, briefly speaking, spends its entire life, which is an average of 2.5-4 years, underground, digging complex systems tunnels and obtains food. Most of all, the animal loves the roots, tubers and bulbs of plants, but it can also feast on stems and leaves. About 10 kg of food supplies must be prepared for the mole rat for the winter. At this time of year, its vital activity noticeably decreases, but the rodent does not hibernate.

Optimal common mole rat- 3 individuals per hectare, but this number can reach up to 20. With the help of sharp incisors and paws, the animals dig through a branched two-tier system of burrows. The upper tier lies at a depth of 20-25 cm, and the lower one, where the mole rat forms galleries for nesting and storing food supplies, is at a depth of 3-4 m. External holes are not permanent, but are formed only in order to bring dug up earth to the surface .

How the animal reproduces

The social structure of common mole rats is made up of family groups, which include one male and one or two females. If there are two females, they take turns giving birth every other year. Mating occurs in the spring, and a brood of 2-3 cubs can be born from February to May. Half of the males live separately and do not produce offspring.

The dispersal of young animals occurs over a distance of tens or hundreds of meters. Females do this in the first year of life, climbing to the surface, which explains their high mortality rate. Most often they are the object of hunting by birds of prey and foxes. Males separate from their mother a year later, without leaving the bowels of the earth. The main underground enemy of common mole rats is the steppe polecat.

Animal pest

Branched underground labyrinths are perfect for the life of mole rats, but can cause anxiety for humans. If a garden or personal plot becomes the habitat of this rodent, you can say goodbye to the lion's share of the harvest. Most likely, the animal will like carrots, potatoes and onions. He may also like onion flowers, legumes, corn and young trees.

Endless piles of dug earth, subsidence of the soil, sudden disappearance of planted crops and even small trees- this is what people observe when an ordinary mole rat settles on their plot of land. The description of his sabotage can be continued for a long time, and stopping them is an impossible task for many.

How to drive away a mole rat

Only one question arises when personal plot There is a mole rat infestation - how to get rid of the pest? For many, this becomes an overwhelming task. After all, the animal constantly hides in the ground and its presence, creating new mounds and destroying planted plants, only at night.

It is best to try to create conditions so that the animal leaves on its own. land plot. A lot of ways have been invented for this, but none of them guarantees that the animal will escape forever. But it’s still worth making every effort to get rid of the mole rat without shedding its blood.

One commonly used method is to flood its tunnel with water. But this may require too much water, since the animal’s underground passages are very branchy. But if the soil quickly absorbs moisture, this method is completely useless. Some try to smoke four-legged neighbor using smoke, pouring kerosene or foul-smelling mixtures into the hole. Another way is to create constant noise in the area where it lives, which the common mole rat cannot tolerate. As an option, you can use an ultrasonic repeller.

Radical ways to get rid of mole rats

When it is not possible to drive away a mole rat, some resort to a more radical measure - murder. To do this, you can watch for the animal by opening one of its passages. He does not like drafts, so he will definitely want to cover the hole with earth. As soon as he gets close, it will be possible to destroy him.

Another way is to make a hole in the hole and place a trap in it so that the mole rat falls into it on the way to the open opening. It is important that the trap does not have a human smell, for which it is worth rubbing it with potatoes or earth. You can use poison to kill rodents. But if there is something to eat on the site, the rodent may not covet the poisoned food.

The common mole rat is a rodent that few people have seen alive. An underground life with nocturnal activity has meant that few people know of its existence. Many would prefer never to know about the existence of such underground inhabitant, instead of seeing how it destroys the crops growing on the site.

The sand mole rat is a mammal from the genus of mole rats and the order of rodents.

It is generally similar to other representatives of the genus: it has reduced eyes, ears, and a tail. According to typical characteristics, it is closest to the giant mole rat. The body length is about 30 cm, the fur is colored in light gray shades, and the belly does not differ in color from the back.

It lives in the sandy forest-steppe, in the lower reaches of the Dnieper. The main population is located in the Black Sea biosphere reserve. Beyond these limits the range is only mosaic.

The mole rat is a highly specialized digger and leads an exclusively underground life. Feeding passages are located at a depth of 25 cm if it is sand and up to 60 cm in meadows. The area of ​​personal plots can exceed 80 m². Activity depends on food and season. In winter, the mole rat makes no more than 3 emissions, and in summer the figure increases to 9 per day. The animal carefully stores itself for the winter. They eat most of the plants that are abundant at their place of residence. The species has common enemies - predators: foxes, ferrets, martens. Offspring occurs once a year, and this can be 4 cubs.

The threat comes from human management during the development of sands and their afforestation. The species is listed in two editions of the Red Book and on the IUCN list.

Obverse description

An image of a double-headed eagle (artist I. Bilibin), with inscriptions in a circle: at the top - “ONE RUBLE 1996”, at the bottom - “BANK OF RUSSIA”. At the bottom - metal designation, alloy sample, content precious metal clean and mint mark.

Class: Mammals
Squad: Rodents
Family: mole rats - Familia Spalacidae
Genus: mole rats - genus spalax
View: Sand mole rat - Spalax arenarius Reschetnik, 1938 (II, 208)

Why is it listed in the Red Book?

A rare species that lives in a small area. Many researchers consider this species to be a subspecies of the common mole rat. The number is unknown. The decline is due to agricultural development of the habitats of this mole rat. Part of the range of the sand mole rat is part of the Black Sea Nature Reserve.

How to find out

Body length 190-275 mm. The morphology clearly shows adaptations to the underground lifestyle. The physique is heavy. The neck is invisible from the outside. The head is shortened, blunt in front, flattened on top. The eyes are not visible from the outside. The ear is in the form of a small skin roll.

The incisors are large, protruding strongly forward from the mouth: the mole rat uses them when digging the ground. The lips close behind the incisors and when digging, the earth does not enter the oral cavity. The limbs are greatly shortened, five-fingered. The claws are well developed. The hairline is thick, soft, but rather low. It differs from other species of mole rats in certain structural features of the skull. The color of the hair is dark ocher-brown.

The mole rat family is Familia Spalacidae. There is one genus in the mole rat family: Spalax mole rats. Sometimes mole rats are not allocated to a special family, but are included in the family Muridae.

Where does it live?

The range is entirely located in the USSR and covers a very small territory of the Lower Dnieper Sands (Aleshkinsky Sands) on the left bank of the Dnieper in the Kherson region of the Ukrainian SSR. To the east the range goes approximately to the line Kakhovka - Brilevka, to the south - to Brilevka - Ivanovka and to the west - to the coast of the Dnieper and the Dnieper estuary.

The genus of mole rats is genus spalax. There are 3-8 species in the genus mole rats. Apparently, five species lived in the USSR. Three species were included in the Red Book of the USSR: sand mole rat S. arenarius, giant mole rat S. giganteus, Bukovina mole rat S. graecus.

They live in slightly moistened, turfed, sandy soils with grass-wormwood-forb vegetation. Found in birch groves. They feed mainly on underground parts various plants. Feeding passages are made at a depth of 40-50 cm. Reproduction has not been studied. The resettlement of young animals was noted in May. Enemies can be various predators.

In 1991, the State Bank of the USSR began issuing coins of the unusual “Red Book” series. The coins were depicted rare species animals listed in the Red Book Soviet Union. Only 2 coins were put into circulation, after which the USSR ceased to exist, and the release of new coins in this series continued central bank Russian Federation. On November 10, 1994, he issued a coin 50 rubles “Sand mole rat”.

The sand mole rat belongs to a family of rodents, burrowing mammals that lead an underground lifestyle. Their eyeballs are underdeveloped, which is why they were called mole rats. They have big head and a short tail.

Mole rats spend most of their lives underground, digging complex burrows with nesting chambers, latrines and storage rooms. The chambers are connected to each other by a system of tunnels. They try to dig holes in damp, loose, sandy soil. They can't stand the heat. They eat plant roots, bulbs, fruits, and seeds. They make large reserves, sometimes reaching up to 15 kg. IN wildlife These burrowing animals bring benefits by loosening the soil, thereby increasing aeration. In the fields they damage crops.

The sand mole rat lives mainly on the left bank of the Dnieper, in the Black Sea Nature Reserve. It is large in size, up to 27 cm in length. The color is gray, with a yellowish tint, the forehead and sides of the head are lighter. She gives birth to cubs once a year, in April-May. After a month, little mole rats can already feed on their own.

The mole rat has many enemies - ferrets, foxes, weasels, dogs and predator birds. It is listed in the Red Book.

An image of a sand mole rat can be seen on the reverse of the coin.

Coin50 rubles "Sand Mole Rat" can become a valuable exhibit in your collection and an original gift to all wildlife lovers.

A country	Russian Federation
Coin name	Sand mole rat
Series	Red Book
Denomination	50 rubles
Obverse	an image of a double-headed eagle (artist I. Bilibin), along the circumference there are inscriptions separated by an ornament: at the top – “FIFTY RUBLES” “1994”, at the bottom – “BANK OF RUSSIA”.
Reverse	a relief image of a sand mole rat against a background of vegetation, along the circumference there are inscriptions separated by two dots: at the top – “RED BOOK”, at the bottom – “SAND BREAT”.
Alloy	copper, zinc/copper, nickel
Circulation, pcs.	300 000
Date of issue	10.11.1994
Catalog number	5516-0008
Artist	A.V.Baklanov
Sculptor	I.S.Kamshilov
Coinage	Leningrad Mint (LMD)
Edge design	252 corrugations
Quality	AC
Purchase	You can buy such a coin in any online store or from official dealers.
Price	Price – 450 rubles for 1 piece. Depending on how the coin is stored, the value may vary.