Golden moles
Systematic position: Golden moles (Chrysochloridae) belong to the order Afrosoricida and the family Chrysochloridae. They are distinct from the Talpidae family, known as the "true" moles, and are evolutionary specialized animals endemic to Africa, perfectly adapted to arid environments.
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Golden moles
Biology and life cycle: Golden moles have evolved specialized physiological features such as leather pads on their noses and powerful claws for digging. They do not build extensive tunnel systems with mounds but rather "swim" through loose, sandy, or soft soil, making them difficult to track compared to typical mole species.
Nature of damage: Strictly speaking, golden moles are not herbivorous. They are insectivores, primarily hunting invertebrates, worms, and soil larvae. The "damage" they cause is purely mechanical, resulting from their foraging habits that can disrupt soil profiles and expose sensitive root zones to desiccation.
Economic importance: While they are not major agricultural pests like root-feeding insects, their activity can be detrimental in nurseries or greenhouses where root integrity is paramount. In high-value crop production, their constant movement beneath the soil surface can lead to significant water loss around the root zone, affecting yield quality.
Protection measures: Management strategies focus on exclusion and non-lethal deterrents rather than traditional pest control methods:
- mechanical barriers like underground wire mesh installed at a depth of 40–50 cm;
- installation of solar-powered ground vibration devices;
- application of castor oil-based sprays which can irritate the sensitive tactile organs of the moles and encourage them to move elsewhere.