Chrysochloris stuhlmanni Matschie 1894

14.

Stuhlmann’s Golden Mole

Chrysochloris stuhlmanni

French: Taupe-dorée de Stuhlmann / German: Stuhimann-Goldmull / Spanish: Topo dorado de Stuhlmann

Taxonomy. Chrysochloris stuhlmanni Matschie, 1894,

Ukondjo and Kinyawan- ga, Rwenzori region, Uganda.

Additional specimens are needed to clarify subspecific taxonomy of C. stuhlmanni. Five subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution. C.s.stuhlmanniiMatschie,1894—RwenzoriMts,NEDRCongoandSWUganda. C.s.balsac:Lamotte&Petter,1981—MtOku,WCameroon.

C.s.fosteriSt.Leger,1931—MtElgon,EUganda,andCheranganiHills,WKenya. C.s.tropicalisG.M.Allen&Loveridge,1927—UluguruMtsandRungwedistrict,Tanzania. C. s. vermiculus Thomas, 1910 — known only from the vicinity of Yambuya and Kisangani, N DR Congo.

Descriptive notes. Head-body 106-123 mm (males) and 103-111 mm (females), hindfoot 10-12 mm (males) and 10-12 mm (females); weight 42 g. Dorsal pelage has iridescent silvery sheen and can be various shades of brown, including blackish brown, grayish brown, and fawn; venter is paler.

Habitat. Montane grasslands, bamboo thickets, heather, and Podocarpus (Podocarpaceae) woodlands with light, easily worked soil and sparse vegetation cover at elevations of 1700-3500 m.

Food and Feeding. Diet of Stuhlmann’s Golden Mole mainly contains earthworms and insect larvae (primarily dipterans) but also myriapods, mollusks, and small crustaceans.

Breeding. Three pregnant Stuhlmann’s Golden Moles were recorded in July, and they had one embryo each. Altricial young remain with their mothers for 2-3 months.

Activity patterns. Stuhlmann’s Golden Moles are nocturnal.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Stuhlmann’s Golden Moles move through underground tunnels c.4 cm below the surface; extent of movement is determined by ease of digging through soil. In forests, they burrow in leaflitter. Adults are thought to be solitary except during breeding and when females are accompanied by young.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. Stuh-Imann’s Golden Mole has a wide distribution and occurs in protected areas and away from human activity. Little is known about population trends and conservation threats.

Bibliography. Bronner (2013b, 2015b), Duncan & Wrangham (1971), Jarvis (1974).