The Damaraland mole-rat (Fukomys damarensis) is a subterranean, hypoxia-tolerant, long-lived rodent endemic to southern and central Africa that is increasingly being used in laboratory research. Its husbandry needs and characteristics differ from traditional rodent research models. Here, we provide a brief overview of this species and discuss its captive housing and husbandry requirements for managed care and good health.
The rapid increase in the number of published papers regarding the biology of F. damarensis starting in the 1950s, when there were 2 publications, in contrast to the 400 publications since 2020, resulting in 125 publications per year.
Photographs of Damaraland mole-rats. Images show (A–E) variable coloration (B) the sex differences in body size between males and females, (C) subtle sex differences in head shape, and (D) that DMRs lack external ear pinnae, have small eyes and a pig-like nose, and show graying around the face as they age and (E) have large procumbent extrabuccal teeth and buccal flaps that keep their mouth closed even when they are using their teeth to excavate burrows. Photographs by JA, MR, RB, and TP.
Genitalia of breeding males and subordinate males. Note animals are cryptorchid, lacking a descended scrotal sac with abdominal testes, although in breeding males, the testes below the skin are quite obvious as they often descend into inguinal pockets. Photographs by JA, MR, MS, and TP.
Breeding females can be identified by a patent vagina and prominent mammae. A vaginal closure membrane is often present in nonreproductive females. A vertical fold is apparent between the anal mound and the genital mound. Photographs by JA, MR, MS, and TP.
Photographs of (A) Damaraland newborn mole-rat pups, (B) 3 d-old-pup, (C) 14-d-old pup and her mother, (D) 3-mo-old pup, (E) pregnant female, (F) nursing pups at 2 wk of age, and (G) nursing pups at 4-wk-old. Photographs by JA, MR, RB, and TP.
Damaraland mole-rat housing consists of multiple rat and mouse cages connected by acrylic tubing.
Schematic examples of a simple and expanded tunnel-housing system for Damaraland mole-rats.
Photographs of observed facial pathologies in our Damaraland colony. (A) Alopecia of unknown cause, (B) perioral proliferative dermatitis and crusting along the oral commissures, (C) a foreign body granuloma, and (D) pedunculated mass microscopically consistent with an acrochordon (skin tag).
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