Remarkable Discovery: Unique Blind Mole Captured on Camera in Australia
An extraordinary find in Australia as an elusive blind mole, shrouded in mystery, has been sighted and photographed. The Indigenous organization, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa, revealed this groundbreaking discovery, shedding light on a previously unknown creature.
A rare blind mole, which scientists have limited knowledge about, was recently seen and photographed in Australia. Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa, an indigenous organization that employs rangers, shared the exciting news.
The northern marsupial mole was spotted in Martu Country, a region in northern Western Australia that is traditionally owned by the Martu people, who are indigenous to Australia.
De Winton's Golden Mole, a blind mole that lives beneath the sand and has sensitive hearing that can detect vibrations from movement above the surface.
De Winton's Golden Mole, a blind mole that lives beneath the sand and has sensitive hearing that can detect vibrations from movement above the surface.
JP Le Roux
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A blind mole that swims through sand has been rediscovered after nearly 100 years. Rangers at the park found the elusive mole, which was the second sighting in just six months. This is significant because typically only five to 10 sightings are reported every decade for this animal.
The marsupial mole, also known as a Kakarrarturl, is a blind animal with poorly developed eyes. It is covered in silky fur and has long, triangular claws on its forefeet for digging underground to hunt for grubs and earthworms.
This creature is about 10 centimeters (four inches) long, with a snout and a stubby tail.
The southern marsupial mole, a close relative, is slightly larger, measuring around 18 centimeters (seven inches), and can be found in central Australia.
Joe Benshemesh, a marsupial mole expert and researcher at the National Malleefowl Recovery Group, described them as "arguably the world's most burrow-adapted mammal" in an article published in Australian Geographic. This is because they have adapted to survive the extreme desert temperatures.
Nicolas REMY
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Marsupial moles spend the majority of their time underground, only emerging to the surface briefly, which is why they are rarely seen.
These creatures weigh only 40-60 grams (1.4-2.1 ounces) and have very low oxygen needs. They survive by breathing the air that circulates between grains of sand, as described by Benshemesh.
But much about the creatures is still unknown, making any sighting incredibly exciting for researchers.
The last reported sighting of a marsupial mole was in June near Uluru in central Australia.
Editor's P/S:
The rediscovery of the elusive blind mole in Australia is a testament to the remarkable biodiversity that still exists in our world. These enigmatic creatures, with their unique adaptations and mysterious behaviors, remind us of the importance of conservation efforts to protect these fragile ecosystems. The recent sightings provide a glimpse into the hidden wonders of nature and inspire further research to uncover the secrets of this captivating species.
Moreover, the involvement of indigenous organizations like Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa in the discovery highlights the vital role of local communities in preserving and understanding their traditional lands. Their knowledge and expertise contribute significantly to our scientific understanding of these animals and the delicate balance of the ecosystems they inhabit. By working together, scientists, indigenous communities, and conservationists can ensure the future survival of these fascinating creatures and the unique environments they call home.
