The Caucasian mole [1] ( Latin Talpa caucasica ) is similar in size and color to the European mole , but its eyes are rudimentary and hidden under thin skin. The main difference is in its karyotype 38 chromosomes (and not 34 or 36, as in other species). Medium sizes: body length 10-14 cm, tail length 2.5-3.2 cm; body weight 40-95 g. The fur is velvety; after molting, it is intensely black, shiny, dulls and becomes brownish-black as it wears out. The teeth are quite large.
| Caucasian mole |
| Scientific classification |
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| No rank : | Bilateral symmetrical |
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| International scientific name |
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Talpa caucasica Satunin , 1908 |
| Area |
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| Security status |
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Least ConcernedIUCN 3.1 Least Concern : 41480 |
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The Caucasian mole is widespread in the western and central parts of Ciscaucasia, the Caucasian Range and Transcaucasia and in the regions of Turkey adjacent to the Black Sea . In the east of the Caucasian isthmus, it is not. It is found in almost all forest and mountain meadow biotopes , but it is most numerous in the broad-leaved forest belt. Like all moles, it arranges underground a complex system of moves, which are divided into main, adjacent to the nesting chamber, and fodder (surface and deep). In moist soils, surface passages are located at a depth of 5 cm, in dense and dry soils - 8–20 cm. In search of food, it can go to a depth of 1 m.
The Caucasian mole feeds mainly on earthworms ; other types of feed ( beetle larvae, millipedes ) consumes less frequently. Eats 30-40 g of food per day.
Like the small mole , the Caucasian mole breeds in February. Young will be born from late March to late April. In a year, 1 brood, on average, out of 3 cubs. Young people become independent at the age of 30-40 days.
The Caucasian mole is an ordinary, numerous species. Only its rare subspecies from western Georgia , the Big-toothed Caucasian mole ( Talpa caucasica ognevi ), is protected [2] .
