A litter of naked mole rats can already be seen in the park, a very strange and unknown mammal that behaves like an insect, is practically immune to cancer, can change from cold to warm blood, has developed four mobile teeth, is extraordinarily long-lived and, In the absence of oxygen, it acts like a plant.
La naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) It is a rodent with an exclusively underground existence that lives in the subsoil of the arid areas of the so-called “Horn of Africa” (Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti). Is he only one of the mammals that presents a “eusocial” way of life, similar to that of some insects such as ants or bees. They live in colonies with an organized division of labor and cooperative care of young. There is only one reproductive female, the “queen”., from one to three reproductive males and the rest of the individuals are divided between soldiers and workers.
Given its relevance from the biological point of view, BIOPARC Valencia houses a large group approximately 100 individuals structured into two completely independent colonies. Each one usually reproduces annually and this summer one was born. new litter of 9 pups that we can appreciate even suckling from its mother. We can contemplate them in the area that recreates the underground life of the African, through glass where you can see the network of tunnels and rooms that imitate its original habitat.
Impressive example of adaptation, the permanent darkness in which they live has motivated a peculiar morphology that draws powerful attention. With a cabeza disproportionately large, tiny eyes and ears, and large incisors that can move in all directions to dig the hard ground and a rosy skin lacking hair and fatty panicle. Are perfectly adapted to hypogeal life (underground) and depending on the oxygen level they go from homeothermic (“hot” blood like other mammals) to pokilothermic (“cold” blood like reptiles). Some research has shown that, In the absence of oxygen, they behave like a “plant” and can resist up to 10 minutes.
The Naked Mole Rat It is currently one of the species that arouses the most interest among the scientific world. The investigations focus on su amazing longevity up to 30 years, much superior to other rodents and the minimum development of tumors, thanks to a special gene, p16, which prevents the disordered growth of cells.
From BIOPARC Valencia The aim is to make known the rich biodiversity of our planet, where each species is essential to maintain vital balance. Naked mole rat shows extraordinary behaviors that look like “aliens” and allows us to understand the importance of preserving nature.
