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Family: Chrysochloridae (golden moles) Order: Afrosoricida Golden moles live almost exclusively underground. Like other burrowing mammals with similar habits, they have short legs with powerful digging claws, very dense fur that repels dirt and moisture, and toughened skin, particularly on the head Their eyes are nonfunctionaland covered with skin and fur, the ears are just tiny openings they have an enlarged leatherlike pad to protect their nostrils Golden moles desert species 'swim' through loose sand Golden moles housing golden moles construct permanent burrows. The burrows are relatively complex in form, and may penetrate as far as a meter below ground. They include deep chambers for use as bolt-holes, and others as latrines. Excavated soil is pushed up to the surface as ridges or mole-hills, or is compacted into the tunnel walls. During extremely hot weather, Grant's golden mole will retreat to depths of around 50 cm and enter a state of torpor, thus conserving energy Mole Skulls The skull is characterized by the early fusion of the cranial bones as well as its wedge shape. These features reflect its use as a tool for burrowing. They have well-developed zygomatic arches and zalambdodont upper molars Primary Sense of Golden Moles Their primary sense is that of touch, and they are particularly sensitive to vibrations that may indicate approaching danger. These animals have disproportionally large auditory ossicles for detecting ground vibrations. Golden moles Metabolic Rate Despite a high thermal conductance, they have a low basal metabolic rate. The low metabolic rate is achieved by lowering the body temperaturebut is also the result of intrinsic metabolic depression. Lowered metabolism and efficient renal function effectively reduce water requirements to the extent that most species do not need to drink.