Chrysochloridae

Chrysochloridae is a family of small, subterranean mammals known commonly as golden moles. They are part of the order Afrosoricida and are native to sub-Saharan Africa. Golden moles are specialized for a fossorial lifestyle, spending most of their lives underground and emerging mainly in brief encounters with the surface, often in response to moisture or rainfall.

Physically, chrysochlorids have compact, cylindrical bodies with a smooth, silky coat that can appear iridescent in some species. Their forelimbs are broadened and equipped with strong, spade-like claws for digging. They typically have reduced or vestigial eyes and small or absent external ears, adaptations that minimize exposure to soil while burrowing. The snout is elongated and highly sensitive, aided by vibrissae and tactile structures that help locate prey in the soil.

Ecologically, golden moles are insectivorous and forage by digging through leaf litter and soil to capture invertebrates, including insects, larvae, and earthworms. They are generally solitary and territorial. Reproduction is usually viviparous, with litters that are small, often ranging from one to four young. Breeding timing tends to correlate with environmental conditions such as rainfall and food availability.

Taxonomically, the family consists of several genera distributed across two subfamilies, Chrysochlorinae and Eremitalpinae. Notable genera include Chrysochloris and Chrysospalax. The group is characterized by its specialized anatomy, iridescent fur in some species, and a life adapted to extensive underground activity.

Conservation status varies by species; many are cryptic and data-poor, with habitat loss and environmental changes impacting populations in several regions.