A rare blind mole photographed in the Australian countryside

The northern marsupial mole lives in one of the most remote parts of the country and is so elusive that the authorities don't even know how many there are.

4003 views 0 comment(s)

A marsupial mole was spotted in the Great Sandy Desert, Photo: Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa Martu Rangers

Disclaimer: The translations are mostly done through AI translator and might not be 100% accurate.

10.04.2024. 08:29h

An extremely rare blind, hairy mole has been spotted and photographed in remote parts of Australia.

The northern marsupial mole lives in one of the most remote parts of the country and is so elusive that the authorities don't even know how many there are.

The palm-sized creatures have silky golden locks, no eyes, a dwarf tail and fin-like hands.

Marsupial moles are usually only seen a few times every ten years.

This mole was encountered by Kanyenenpa Yukapa Martu rangers - Aboriginal people who use local heritage and knowledge to protect their own land - while working in the Great Sand Desert, about 1.500 kilometers from Perth.

The creatures are so uncommon that their existence remains a mystery to most people, says desert wildlife expert Gareth Catt.

"[I know] someone who spotted it but didn't know what it was - they thought it was a baby guinea pig," he tells the BBC.

These moles live in sand dunes in isolated deserts and spend very little time on the surface.

"[They] almost swim through the sand, so their main technique is to dig trenches and canals."

Very little is known about this enigmatic creature, which is why this sighting - the second in six months - is so exciting.

People often think that "there's not much life in the desert," says Kat, but it's full of unique animals.

From bilbies, with their huge heat-releasing ears, to large spiny devils, which use spikes to channel water into their mouths, many have developed strange traits that help them survive in harsh environments.