Talpids
Talpids are a family of small, predominantly fossorial mammals in the order Eulipotyphla. They include true moles, desmans, and shrew-moles, and are adapted to life largely underground. Their range covers Eurasia and North America, occupying forests, grasslands, and wetlands where soil is suitable for digging.
Morphology and adaptations: Talpids typically have cylindrical bodies, short limbs, and powerful forelimbs with broad, spade-like
Taxonomy and diversity: The family is divided into subfamilies such as Talpinae (true moles), Desmaninae (desmans),
Ecology and behavior: Most talpids are insectivorous, feeding on earthworms, larvae, and other invertebrates found underground.
Senses and foraging: They rely on tactile senses—whiskers and, in some species, specialized nasal or facial
Reproduction and conservation: Litter sizes are generally small, often 2–6 offspring, with most species breeding annually