Golden mole

The golden mole (lat. Chrysochloris) belongs to the family Chrysochloridae within the order Afrosoricida. These subterranean mammals are often identified as garden pests due to their extensive digging habits, which disrupt soil structure and physically damage the root systems of various agricultural and horticultural crops.

From a biological perspective, these animals are highly specialized for an underground lifestyle. Unlike the common mole, Chrysochloris species are particularly adapted to arid environments, possessing powerful claws and a specialized leathery pad on the snout for efficient burrowing through compact soil layers.

The damage caused to crops is primarily mechanical. As they hunt for their prey, which consists of invertebrates and larvae, their burrowing activities tear through root zones. This root destruction leads to stunted plant growth, wilting, and in many cases, the total death of young transplants, causing significant economic losses in nursery and garden settings.

Their life cycle is characterized by solitary behavior and continuous activity throughout the year. They do not hibernate, which means their impact on the soil and plant root systems continues unabated through different seasons. They maintain stable tunnel systems, often repairing them quickly if they are disrupted by human intervention or soil cultivation.

Effective control and management strategies include:

• Installing physical barriers such as underground metal mesh fences buried deep in the soil.
• Deploying sonic or vibration-based deterrent devices to make the habitat inhospitable.
• Implementing regular soil tillage to discourage the formation of stable tunnel networks.
• Cultivating plants with strong odors that act as natural repellents for subterranean animals.
• Managing the insect population in the soil to reduce the availability of food sources for the moles.