Chinese Zokor
Eospalax fontanierii
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Rodentia · Spalacidae
About
The Chinese zokor is a species of rodent in the family Spalacidae. It is endemic to China, ranging from Qinghai Province eastwards to Beijing in steppe and alpine grasslands. Henri Milne-Edwards first described it in 1867. Eradication programs in the 1990s in Qinghai Province resulted in a population decline to less than a third of the former population. It is considered common and has been assessed as Least Concern by IUCN.
Fun Fact
Accumulations of up to 30 kg (66 lb) of vegetable matter have been found in burrows but a more normal size store is about one tenth of this size.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in steppes, shrubby areas, upland pastures, meadowland, agricultural land, wasteland, road verges and banks.
Diet
Eat a broad range of roots and shoots of grasses, herbs and a few shrubby plants.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance