Naked mole rats are fascinating creatures that live underground and have some of the most unusual traits in the animal kingdom. Despite their name and appearance, these small rodents are full of surprises. Here are 15 incredible facts about naked mole rats that will leave you amazed and wanting to know more about these resilient animals.
1. They Are Not Moles or Rats
Despite their name, naked mole rats are neither moles nor rats. They are more closely related to porcupines, chinchillas, and guinea pigs. Their name comes from their burrowing habits like moles and their appearance similar to young rats. They belong to a group of rodents called Bathyergidae.
2. They Are Hairless
Naked mole rats are almost completely hairless, giving them a distinctive look. Their lack of fur helps them move easily through their underground tunnels and regulates their body temperature in their warm, humid environments. Their skin also lacks the insulating fat layer found in most mammals.
3. They Are Cold-Blooded
Unlike most mammals, naked mole rats are ectothermic, meaning they are cold-blooded. They rely on the temperature of their environment to regulate their body heat, which is very unusual for a mammal. This trait is more commonly seen in reptiles and amphibians.
4. They Have a Queen
Naked mole rat colonies are ruled by a single breeding female known as the queen. The queen is the only female that reproduces, and she can give birth to dozens of pups in a single litter. The other members of the colony work together to care for the young. The queen uses physical dominance to suppress the reproductive capabilities of other females.
5. They Live in Colonies
Naked mole rats are highly social animals and live in large colonies that can consist of up to 300 individuals. These colonies function much like those of bees or ants, with specialized roles for different members. Each colony member has a specific job, such as digging, foraging, or defending the colony.
6. They Can Live Over 30 Years
Naked mole rats have an exceptionally long lifespan for rodents. While most mice and rats live for just a few years, naked mole rats can live for more than 30 years, making them one of the longest-living rodents. Their longevity is a subject of scientific research, especially in studies related to aging.
7. They Are Resistant to Cancer
Naked mole rats have a unique resistance to cancer. Their cells have a special process that prevents the uncontrolled cell growth that leads to tumors, making them an important subject of medical research. Scientists are studying their genetic makeup to understand how they avoid cancer.
8. They Feel Very Little Pain
Naked mole rats have a high tolerance for pain. Their skin lacks certain neurotransmitters, which means they don’t feel pain from acid or capsaicin (the chemical that makes chili peppers hot). This adaptation likely evolved to help them survive in their harsh underground environment.
9. They Can Survive Without Oxygen
Naked mole rats can survive for up to 18 minutes without oxygen. They can switch their metabolism to use fructose instead of glucose, which allows their cells to produce energy without needing oxygen. This ability helps them survive in poorly ventilated underground burrows.
10. They Have Poor Eyesight
Living underground, naked mole rats have very poor eyesight. They rely more on their other senses, such as touch and smell, to navigate through their dark tunnels. Their tiny, nearly blind eyes are mostly used to detect light rather than to see clearly.
11. They Use Their Teeth to Dig
Naked mole rats use their large, protruding teeth to dig their extensive tunnel systems. Their lips close behind their teeth to keep dirt out of their mouths while they dig. These teeth can move independently, much like chopsticks.
12. They Communicate Through Chirps
Naked mole rats communicate with each other using a variety of sounds, including chirps, squeaks, and grunts. These vocalizations help maintain social order within the colony and coordinate activities. Each colony has its own unique dialect.
13. Their Skin is Super Stretchy
The skin of naked mole rats is very loose and stretchy, which helps them move easily through tight underground tunnels. This flexibility allows them to squeeze through spaces that would be too small for other animals of the same size. Their stretchy skin also aids in avoiding injury from the sharp surfaces within their tunnels.
14. They Are Excellent Burrowers
Naked mole rats are exceptional burrowers. Their colonies’ tunnels can cover an area equivalent to 20 football fields, and some of their tunnels can be over 6 feet deep. They use their powerful teeth and claws to excavate these extensive networks.
15. They Have a Slow Metabolism
Naked mole rats have a very slow metabolism, which helps them survive in environments with scarce food resources. This slow metabolic rate also contributes to their long lifespan, as it reduces wear and tear on their bodies. Their ability to efficiently use limited resources is key to their survival in harsh conditions.