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Big-headed Mole-rat
The giant root-rat (''Tachyoryctes macrocephalus''), also known as the Ethiopian African mole rat or giant mole rat, is a rodent species in the family Spalacidae. It is Endemism, endemic to Ethiopia's Bale Mountains. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical high-altitude grassland, where it can reach densities of up to 2,600 individuals per square kilometre. It is threatened by habitat loss. Phylogeny ''Tachyoryctes macrocephalus'' is a species endemic to grasslands in Ethiopia's Bale Mountains. It is a member of the genus ''Tachyoryctes'', and a sister clade to the genus ''Rhizomys''. Fossil records have suggested the species previously lived in South Asia up to northern India. Characteristics ''Tachyoryctes macrocephalus'' are typically have small eyes and thick russet fur. They have large upper teeth called incisors that are especially prominent. The eyes are placed near the top of the forehead, and are sometimes called "periscopes" due to their ability to scan for pre ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] [Amazon] |
Bale Mountains
The Bale Mountains (also known as the Urgoma Mountains) are mountain ranges in the Oromia Region of southeast Ethiopia, south of the Awash River, part of the Ethiopian Highlands. They include Mount Tullu Demtu, Tullu Demtu, the fourth-highest mountain in Ethiopia (4377 meters), and Mount Batu (4307 meters). The Weyib River, a tributary of the Jubba River, rises in these mountains east of Goba. The Bale Mountains National Park covers 2,200 square kilometers of these mountains. The park's main attractions are the wild alpine scenery and the relative ease with which visitors can see unique birds and mammals. Fauna The Bale Mountains are home to many of Ethiopia's endemic (ecology), endemic animals, notably the Ethiopian wolf (''Canis simensis''), found on the Sanetti Plateau. The park also contains the Harenna Forest, situated to the south of the mountains, which is a largely unexplored area thought to contain many undiscovered species of reptile as well as lions, leopards, hyenas ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] [Amazon] |