Giant mole rats are native to Asia and are considered a threatened species. They are closely related to guinea pigs and will burrow below ground to build their nests. These mole rats are also known as Russian mole rats, since they can be found in the high meadows and sub-alpine regions in Russia.
Giant mole rats will tunnel to find new food and dig just below the surface. They will eat all the new foliage, block the tunnel off from the inside, and then climb out of the tunnel to dig a new one and begin again.
Giant mole rats can reach great densities in their populations, and this threatens their habitat. These creatures are listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of endangered species. This list, which is updated every year, includes threatened animals, insects, birds and plants that could go extinct if not protected. Giant mole rats have developed defenses, such as sharp teeth and a cautious nature, that keep them safe from predators.
Giant mole rats feed mainly on earthworms and insect larvae, spending most of their lives underground in their burrows. They live in groups and are not considered pests, leading quiet existences and coming to the surface just to gather food. Giant mole rats will dig burrows with their teeth and can create extremely complex underground living areas. Some giant mole rat burrows have been found that are over 1100 feet in length. Digging a tunnel of this size can take about two months to complete.
A group of giant mole rats is often referred to as a pack. Young giant mole rats are called kittens or pups, and the females and male adults share similar classifications with deer and rabbits. The female giant mole rats are called does, while the males are known as bucks.