Home range and movements of the Namib Desert golden mole, Eremitalpa granti namibensis (Chrysochloridae)

Eremitalpa granti namibensis is a small, blind, subterranean insectivore endemic to the Namib desert sand dunes. Unlike most other subterranean mammals, E. g. namibensis lacks a permanent burrow system and is a surface forager. Population density and home range utilization were studied by following surface trails and capture, mark and recapture. Population density was low but stable and home range size large, a reflection of the low food availability in the Namib dune environment. No permanent nests or burrows were found while the pattern of home range utilization was nomadic but circumscribed. Home ranges overlapped with those of neighbouring animals.