Central and eastern Ethiopia, central Somalia, and Kenya

Extensive and complex burrow systems in dry conditions in a variety of soil types

Length 3 to 4.7 inches with a weight of 1 to 3 ounces.  The tail is 1 to 6 inches long.  Skin is almost hairless with bristly sensory hairs used for guidance. They have 16 teeth, with 3 molars in each jaw.  They have a low body temperature and slow growth rate. They are pink or grayish-pink.

The behavior of naked mole rats is similar to many social insects.  Colonies are as small as 25 and as large as 295 individuals.  Other than the breeding members, all are sterile; non-breeding members, sometimes referred to as “helpers”, raise pups and protect the colony.  The smallest members dig the tunnels, gather nesting material and food that is brought to the breeding female, or “Queen”, and weaned young.  The larger members defend the colony.  Activity continues day and night.  Communication takes place both vocally (with 20 different sounds) and with scent.

Once the dominant female establishes her position as “Queen”, she suppresses breeding in other females through aggressive behavior.  She initiates courtship with a non-working male. Gestation is 70 to 80 days with 4 to 5 litters of 5 to 15 offspring produced per year.  Young wean at 4 weeks. If the first litter survives, she may breed only once a year; if not, she will mate again.

Short, broad head, powerful jaws and very large incisors are used to excavate tunnels.  Tiny eyes and no external ears are adaptations for life underground in little or no light.  Skin is loose, allowing flexible turning in confined space.  Naked mole rats are capable of moving forward or backward with equal ease and speed.

Because they are hairless, naked mole rats are more like cold-blooded animals.

Only known mammal to be eusocial, a caste system social behavior similar to ants and termites.

Unlike most mammals, naked mole rats do not have a layer of fat under their skin, which is why they are so wrinkly.  Naked mole rats have no sweat glands.

This animal has the lowest metabolic rate of any known mammal.  Its body temperature is approximately 90 degrees, which is within 2 degrees of the temperature of the burrow.  Body temperature is regulated by huddling if it is too cool and separating if too warm.

On exhibit since 1994, this species has successfully bred here.