Naked mole rat | Chester Zoo

About naked mole rats

Native to the dry grasslands of East Africa, these near-hairless rodents live entirely underground in vast tunnel systems, some stretching up to 5km. But it’s how they live that’s truly fascinating.

Naked mole rats are eusocial, a rare trait in mammals. Much like bees or ants, colonies are ruled by a single breeding female, the queen, while the rest work together to care for young, maintain tunnels, and forage. A typical colony has around 70 individuals, but numbers can reach almost 300.

Even more remarkable are their biological quirks. Naked mole-rats feel little to no pain from acidic or spicy stimuli, and can survive with very low oxygen—conditions that would be fatal to most mammals. These adaptations are helping scientists explore everything from ageing to cancer resistance.

Naked mole rat facts

SPECIES

I am a mammal

Naked mole rats are rodents, but they live in communities like those of many insects.

FOUND IN

Africa

Found in several East African countries, including parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.

HABITAT

Dry grassland and savannah

These regions are dry with nutrient-poor soils, making the naked mole rats’ underground lifestyle essential for survival.

DIET

Herbivores

Their diet mainly consists of underground tubers, which they hollow out from the inside so the plant can keep growing. This provides a long-term, renewable food source.

BEHAVIOUR

Eusocial

Much like bees or ants, colonies are ruled by a single breeding female, the queen, while the rest work together to care for young, maintain tunnels, and forage.

AVERAGE SIZE

3 - 13 inches

LIFE SPAN

10 - 30 years

Naked mole rat pups begin performing work behaviors (digging, sweeping, carrying) when they are only around a month old.

ZOO LOCATION

Heart of Africa

Find them near the exit of the Hidden Savannah.

IUCN red list statusLeast Concern