Naked Mole Rat

Heterocephalus glaber                            Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia

Each colony of naked mole-rats consists of 75 to 80 individuals. Within a colony, only one female has pups (young). Other females that attempt to reproduce are attacked. The breeding female has one to three mates and can produce more than 100 offspring each year. The other colony members help the breeders by carrying out specific activities. Smaller members find and transport food, clear tunnels, and build nests. Larger members excavate tunnels and protect the colony from enemies, such as poisonous snakes.