GOLDEN MOLE

any of the 11 species of African mammals composing the family Chrysochloridae, order Insectivora. Like true moles (Talpidae), they are blind, stout-bodied, virtually tailless burrowers. They have four toes on each forefoot, two of which bear large, pointed claws, like picks. The fur is commonly iridescently golden or greenish. Size ranges from 7 to 23 centimetres (3 to 9 inches) in length. Golden moles are found from Cameroon and Tanzania southward. A common small form in South Africa is the Cape golden mole (Chrysochloris asiaticus); a large example is the giant forest mole (Chrysospalax villosus). For analogues in Australia, see marsupial mole.