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Science & Nature • Mammal

Naked mole rat

The naked mole rat (*Heterocephalus glaber*) is a burrowing rodent native to eastern Africa.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is a burrowing rodent native to eastern Africa. It is known for its wrinkled, sparsely haired appearance, eusocial colonies, unusually long lifespan, and low cancer rates.

Description

The naked mole rat is a small, mostly hairless burrowing rodent with wrinkled pink skin and prominent incisors. It is more closely related to other African rodents such as porcupines and guinea pigs than to moles or rats.

Habitat and range

The species lives in subterranean burrows in the grassy, arid, and semi-arid regions of East Africa. Reported native range includes Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti.

Behaviour and social structure

Naked mole rats are eusocial, with colonies organized around a queen that reproduces while other members act as workers or soldiers. Colonies can number from dozens to several hundred individuals.

Biology and research interest

The species is notable for its longevity, low cancer rates, and tolerance of low-oxygen environments. These traits have made it a subject of scientific research in ageing, physiology, and disease resistance.

Key facts

  • Despite the name, it is neither a mole nor a rat.
  • It is native to arid and semi-arid parts of East Africa.
  • It is one of only two known eusocial mammal species.
  • Colonies typically include a breeding queen and non-breeding workers and soldiers.
  • It is known for exceptional longevity and very low cancer incidence.
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Canadian context

Naked mole rats are widely kept and displayed in Canadian zoos and are used in Canadian and international research on ageing, cancer biology, and mammalian physiology.

Frequently asked questions

Is a naked mole rat actually a mole or a rat?
No. It is a rodent, but it is neither a mole nor a rat.
Where do naked mole rats live?
They live underground in burrows in East Africa, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti.
Are naked mole rats social animals?
Yes. They are eusocial and live in colonies with a breeding queen and non-breeding workers and soldiers.
How long do naked mole rats live?
They are the longest-lived rodents, with some individuals reaching around 30 years.
Why are naked mole rats studied by scientists?
They are studied for their unusual longevity, cancer resistance, and adaptation to low-oxygen underground life.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/naked-mole-rat
    Supports: Scientific name, family, native range, and general description.
  2. Smithsonian Magazine — https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/14-fun-facts-about-naked-mole-rats-28758269/
    Supports: Eusociality, long lifespan, underground habitat, colony structure, and cancer resistance.
  3. NPR — https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/08/21/751532220/naked-and-unafraid-6-wild-facts-about-naked-mole-rats
    Supports: Native range, appearance, and longevity.
  4. PBS Nature — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/animal-guide-queen-naked-mole-rat/473/
    Supports: Habitat, native range, diet, size, and eusocial colony structure.
  5. Zoo Atlanta — https://www.zooatlanta.org/animal/naked-mole-rat/
    Supports: Eusocial mammal status and colony organization.