AnAge entry for Cryptomys mechowi

Classification (HAGRID: 02480)

Taxonomy: Kingdom: Animalia
    Phylum: Chordata
        Class: Mammalia (Taxon entry)
            Order: Rodentia
                Family: Bathyergidae
                    Genus: Cryptomys
Species: Cryptomys mechowi
Common name: Giant mole-rat

Maximum longevity: 16 years (captivity)
Source: ref. 957
Sample size: Medium
Data quality: Questionable
Observations: One study in captivity found that median lifespan is considerably longer for breeders than non-breeders, respectively, 9-10 and 5-6 years. Breeding males and females were alive after 16 years of age [0957]. Probably they can live longer, though. Litter size increases with parity [0531].

: No information is available on life history. Please contact us if you wish to suggest or contribute data.

[0957] Dammann et al. (2011), Extended longevity of reproductives appears to be common in Fukomys mole-rats (Rodentia, Bathyergidae) (PubMed)
[0978] Jones et al. (2009), PanTHERIA: a species-level database of life history, ecology, and geography of extant and recently extinct mammals
[1032] McNab (2008), An analysis of the factors that influence the level and scaling of mammalian BMR (PubMed)
[0530] Scharff et al. (2001), Natural history of the Giant mole-rat, Cryptomys mechowi (Rodentia: Bathyergidae) from Zambia
[0531] Scharff et al. (1999), Reproductive characteristics and growth of Zambian giant mole-rats, Cryptomys mechowi (Rodentia: Bathyergidae)