Southern marsupial mole  (Notoryctes typhlops)

Although no more related to placental moles than to any other placental mammal, the southern marsupial mole has a remarkably similar body form as a result of its burrowing lifestyle (5). The thick and powerful body is neatly adapted for moving around under the sand, with fused neck bones (vertebrae) for greater rigidity, a horny shield on the nose (2), and oversized flat claws on the third and fourth digits of the short forelimbs for digging (6). The southern marsupial mole spends much of its time in the dark under the sand and many of its features reflect this. The pouch opens to the rear to prevent sand entering during burrowing, the eyes are vestigial, the ear openings are well hidden under the fur and the nostrils are small and slit-like (5). The fur is silky and iridescent, with a creamy to dark gold colour (5) (7).