Malaysian mole
Malaysian mole | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Eulipotyphla |
Family: | Talpidae |
Genus: | Euroscaptor |
Species: | E. malayanus
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Binomial name | |
Euroscaptor malayanus (Chasen, 1940)
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Malaysian mole range | |
Synonyms | |
Euroscaptor malayana |
The Malaysian mole (Euroscaptor malayanus) is a species of mammal in the family Talpidae. It is endemic to the highlands of peninsular Malaysia, making it the southernmost known species of mole.[1]
Taxonomy
This species was formerly classified as a subspecies of Kloss's mole (E. klossi) or (when considered an introduced species) the Himalayan mole (E. micrurus) but a 2008 study found notable morphological and genetic divergence, and split it as a distinct species.[1][2][3]
Distribution
This species is known only from the
Description
The relative size of the upper molars to the greatest length of the skull is the largest in the genus Euroscaptor.[3]
Conservation
The Malaysian mole is likely a relict species that persisted on the Cameron Highlands due to the cooler temperatures optimal for moles. The lowland areas of Malaysia are not suitable habitat due to their largely tropical climate, leading to scarcity of litter deposits and poor soil development. Due to this, the Malaysian mole may be at risk from global warming, as this may lead to a change in the optimal conditions for the species in the highlands.[3]
References
- ^ a b "Explore the Database". www.mammaldiversity.org. Retrieved 2021-11-03.
- S2CID 55932178.
- ^ )