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Notoryctidae - marsupial moles

There are two species of marsupials in this family. The southern marsupial mole and the northern marsupial mole are endangered species in Australia. They are found in the deserts of central Australia.

Marsupial moles are about 5 inches in length and have yellowish-brown fur, short tails, and pointed heads. They spend most of their lives underground and have many adaptations that help them live in the sand.

Marsupial moles have powerful front paws that are scoop-shaped that they use to burrow into the sand. Their noses have a horny covering that helps them push into the sand. Their pouches open to the rear so sand can't get inside. Marsupial moles are blind. They have eyes but no optical nerves. They eat insect larvae.

World Status Key
Least ConcernLeast Concern Near ThreatenedNear Threatened VulnerableVulnerable EndangeredEndangered Critically EndangeredCritically Endangered extinct in the wildExtinct in Wild extinctExtinct
Status and range is taken from ICUN Redlist. If no status is listed, there is not enough data to establish status.

US Status Key
Threatened in US Threatened in US Threatened in New Hampshire Threatened in NH Endangered in US Endangered in US Endangered in NH Endangered in NH Introduced Introduced
Status taken from US Fish and Wildlife and NH Fish and Game

  New Hampshire Species

 

 North/Central American Species

None
  None

Other Species Around the World

Africa Africa Asia Asia Australia Australia/Oceania Europe Europe North America North America South AmericaSouth America New Hampshire Species NH Species

Northern Marsupial Mole - Notoryctes caurinus Australia
Southern Marsupial Mole - Notoryctes typhlops Australia

Additional Information

Key: profile Profile Photos Photos Video Video Audio Audio

Northern Marsupial Mole - Notoryctes caurinus profile Photos Australia
The northern marsupial mole is found only in Gibson and the Great Sandy Deserts in Western Australia.
Source: EDGE of ExistenceIntended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Southern Marsupial Mole - Notoryctes typhlops profile Photos Video Australia
The southern marsupial mole is found in Northern Territory, Australia.
Source: Arkive Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Southern Marsupial Mole - Notoryctes typhlops profile Photos Australia
The southern marsupial mole is found in sand dunes and sandy soils near river beds.
Source: EDGE of ExistenceIntended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School

Southern Marsupial Mole - Notoryctes typhlops profile Photos Australia
The southern marsupial mole is 5-5.7 inches in length.
Source: Animal Diversity Web Intended Audience: General Reading Level: Middle School