Spalax

Spalax is a genus of rodents commonly known as mole rats. These subterranean mammals are native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia. They are characterized by their stout bodies, short limbs, and greatly enlarged incisors that protrude even when their mouths are closed. These prominent teeth are used for digging and pushing soil aside.

Mole rats are fossorial, meaning they live almost their entire lives underground in extensive burrow systems. Their eyes are small and often covered by skin, reflecting their adaptation to a dark environment where sight is not a primary sense. Their hearing is also reduced. Instead, they rely heavily on touch and smell to navigate and find food, which consists mainly of plant roots and tubers.

There are several species within the Spalax genus, with varying geographical distributions and some differences in their burrowing habits and social structures. Most Spalax species are solitary, coming together only for reproduction. They are known for their remarkable ability to survive in hypoxic (low oxygen) and hypercapnic (high carbon dioxide) conditions found in their underground habitats. This physiological adaptation is a subject of scientific interest.

Spalax plays a role in soil aeration and nutrient cycling through their extensive burrowing activities. However, their digging can sometimes be considered a pest issue by farmers due to damage to crops and irrigation systems. Conservation status varies among species, with some facing threats from habitat loss and agricultural practices.