Juliana's golden-mole (Neamblysomus julianae)

Species information

Images

Threats

Juliana's golden-mole is found in extremely restricted habitat, which is under threat from human development. Their habitat is being lost and fragmented by urban and infrastructure development; golden-moles left on fragments of remaining habitat are isolated and unable to move to new areas when threatened (4). Where residential development has occurred, pets or gardeners may kill moles and swimming pools provide a threat from drowning. An additional threat to the specialised habitat of Juliana's golden-mole is sand mining, which results in further habitat loss (4).

Conservation

This species is listed as Endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), indicating that it is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future (3). Currently two populations are protected, one in the southwestern area of the Kruger National Park (Mpumalanga), and the other in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve in South Africa's Northern Province (4). Further research into this little-known animal is urgently needed however, before effective conservation measures can be implemented.