Formosan blind mole
This species is endemic to and one of only two mole species in Taiwan. It weighs 30-60 grams with fine ash black hair, very small eyes, no pinnae, and very short tail. The forelimbs are well developed, palm-shaped, with long claws, making them quite suitable for digging. They spend most of their lives underground. Due to their poor vision, they rely on their keen senses of smell and touch to help them move about and hunt in dark places. They are mainly found in low-elevation grasslands, bamboo gardens, fruit orchards, and vegetable gardens, and even on golf courses. They feed on earthworms, insect larvae, and small amphibians and reptiles. Moles have large appetites and can eat large numbers of insects, thus are very helpful for controlling insect populations.
Text/Chen Yan-Jun, Chen Mu-Xuan
Photo/Huang Xiao-Ting
