Which moles are threatened?

Many golden moles are threatened: De Winton's (Critically Endangered), Juliana's, Giant, Van Zyl's, Gunning's (Endangered), Rough-haired, Robust, Grant's (Vulnerable), Fynbos, Yellow, Highveld (Near Threatened). Cape golden mole, Hottentot golden mole, Cape dune mole-rat, and common mole-rat are Least Concern. Do not kill or harm threatened species; report sightings and use non-lethal options.

Which moles are NOT threatened?

Cape golden mole, Hottentot golden mole, Cape dune mole-rat, and common mole-rat are all Least Concern (IUCN). These are the species most often encountered as "moles" in South African gardens and lawns. Responsible, humane control or deterrents may be used where they cause damage.

Where are moles usually found?

Cape golden mole: coastal Western/Northern Cape, gardens, lawns, sandy soil. Hottentot: widespread SA, grasslands to urban gardens. Cape dune mole-rat: coastal strip Vanrhynsdorp–Port Elizabeth, sandy shores and lawns. Common mole-rat: Western Cape and much of southern Africa, gardens and pasture. Threatened species have restricted ranges (e.g. Port Nolloth, fynbos, Eastern Cape forest).

When should I get professional help?

Get help for repeated lawn or garden damage, Cape dune mole-rat damaging cables or irrigation, or when you are unsure of species (to avoid harming threatened moles). In areas with threatened species, always get expert ID and use only non-lethal, humane options.

How do I use the quick comparison table?

Match what you see (size, colour, location, type of molehills, behaviour clue) to the table. Note the conservation note — Least Concern species can be considered for humane control; Threatened species must not be harmed. Then read the matching species card for full details and when to get help.

Mole Identification Guide

Q: What kind of mole do I have?

First distinguish golden mole (small, insect-eater, iridescent, blind) from mole-rat (rodent, larger, herbivore). In Cape gardens and lawns, the usual species are Cape golden mole, Hottentot golden mole, Cape dune mole-rat, and common mole-rat — all Least Concern. Use the quick comparison table and species cards; check conservation status so you do not harm threatened species (e.g. De Winton's, Juliana's, Fynbos golden mole).

South Africa has golden moles (Chrysochloridae) and mole-rats (Bathyergidae) — two different families. Golden moles are insect-eating, blind, burrowing mammals; mole-rats are herbivorous rodents. Many golden mole species are threatened (IUCN Vulnerable to Critically Endangered); the ones you are most likely to see in gardens and lawns — Cape golden mole, Hottentot golden mole, Cape dune mole-rat, and common mole-rat — are not threatened. This guide helps you identify what you have, where they live, and when to get help, and clarifies which species are protected so you can act responsibly.

Compare golden moles and mole-rats in South African gardens, lawns, and coastal areas. Know which are common pests and which are threatened and protected.

Need help with moles?

Call Get a quote See Mole Control Cape Town

Man enjoying a braai on a well-kept, mole-free lawn — identify moles responsibly, Verminator

How to use this guide

Check whether it is a golden mole (small, insect-eater, iridescent fur, no visible eyes) or a mole-rat (rodent, larger, herbivore, often colonial).
Compare size — golden moles ~8–20 cm; Cape dune mole-rat 27–35 cm; common mole-rat ~10–16 cm.
Compare where you see signs — lawns, gardens, sandy soil, fynbos, or coastal dunes.
Compare signs — molehills, surface tunnels, raised ridges, damage to roots or grass.
Note location — Western Cape, coastal sand, Highveld, or Northern Cape (some species only in specific regions).
Then match to the species card and check conservation status — do not harm threatened species.

Endangered mole map — Western Cape

This overview shows how higher IUCN threat levels for golden moles sit within the province next to the Least Concern species most often tied to garden and lawn call-outs. Use it together with the quick comparison table and species cards below: it supports context, not a field ID on its own. Always confirm what you have on site and the legal position before any control — authoritative assessments are linked in the main research links below.

Western Cape map showing golden mole species and conservation status — endangered and least concern areas — Illustrative overview only. For current Red List assessments and citations, use main research links below (SANBI, EWT).

Quick comparison

Mole / Mole-rat	Colour	Size	Commonly found	Key clue	Conservation
Cape golden mole	Blackish to slaty-grey, brown to pale fawn; iridescent sheen	Small; ~8–12 cm	Coastal Western/Northern Cape; gardens; lawns; sandy soil	Solitary; superficial burrows; insectivore; molehills	Least Concern
Hottentot golden mole	Reddish to dark brown; iridescent; woolly undercoat	~10–14 cm; 40–101 g	Widespread SA; grasslands; gardens; urban areas	Solitary; long burrows; insectivore; most widespread golden mole	Least Concern
Cape dune mole-rat	Cinnamon-brown; greyish underparts	27–35 cm; 570–1,350 g (largest blesmol)	Coastal W. Cape (Vanrhynsdorp–Port Elizabeth); sandy shores; lawns	Solitary; digs with claws; herbivore; large molehills	Least Concern
Common mole-rat	Grey or brown; sometimes white spot on head	~10.5–16.5 cm body; short tail	Western Cape and much of SA; gardens; pasture; arable	Colonial; digs with incisors; herbivore; geophytes and grass	Least Concern
Fynbos golden mole	Brown; iridescent	Small to medium	Fynbos; Western Cape	Solitary; insectivore; fynbos specialist	Near Threatened
Yellow golden mole	Yellowish; pale	Small	KZN; Limpopo; isolated subpopulations	Solitary; insectivore; edge-of-range	Near Threatened
Grant's golden mole	Slate-grey; yellowish tinge	Small	Namib/sandy desert; N. Cape coastal sand	"Swims" in sand; forages on surface at night; insectivore	Vulnerable
Juliana's golden mole	Brown; golden sheen	Small	Limited range; Mpumalanga; Gauteng	Solitary; insectivore; restricted habitat	Endangered
De Winton's golden mole	Slate-grey; yellowish face and underparts	Small	Port Nolloth area; coastal dunes; rediscovered 2023	Extremely rare; coastal sand; insectivore	Critically Endangered
Giant golden mole	Dark; rough fur	Largest golden mole (~20 cm)	Eastern Cape forest; restricted	Forages in leaf litter; insectivore	Endangered

Species at a glance

Use the cards below to match what you see — appearance, where they are found, and behaviour.

Cape Golden Mole

Chrysochloris asiatica

Conservation: Least Concern (IUCN)

Appearance

Small, solitary, insectivorous; dense soft fur with iridescent sheen
Colour: blackish to slaty-grey, brown to pale fawn
No visible external eyes; tiny ear openings; leathery rhinarium over nostrils
Powerful forefeet with large pick-like third claw; no external tail

Commonly found

Coastal Western Cape and Northern CapeGardens and lawnsSandy soil and beachesVineyards and pastureSuperficial burrows and molehills

Behaviour

Solitary. Forages for soil invertebrates and small lizards; excavates superficial burrows with conical nose shield and modified forefeet. Adapted to mildly transformed habitats; common in gardens and coastal regions. Does not need to drink; can enter torpor in cold weather. The species you are most likely to encounter as a "mole" in Cape gardens and lawns.

Why you may be seeing them

Molehills, raised ridges, or disturbed soil in lawns and beds. Often noticed when mowing or gardening. Coastal and sandy areas; also vineyards and pasture. Not threatened — responsible control or deterrents are acceptable where they cause damage.

Often confused with

Hottentot golden mole (wider distribution; similar size; reddish-brown) · Cape dune mole-rat (much larger; rodent; herbivore; cinnamon-brown)

When to get help

Repeated damage to lawns, sports fields, or gardens; tunnels undermining paving or structures. Professional mole control can use humane deterrents and exclusion; no conservation restriction for this species.

Widespread and common. Listed Least Concern globally. Property-relevant control is acceptable; avoid methods that harm non-target species.

Cape golden mole guide Need help with moles? See Mole Control Cape Town

Hottentot Golden Mole

Amblysomus hottentotus

Conservation: Least Concern (IUCN)

Appearance

Cylindrical body; reddish to dark brown fur with iridescent sheen; woolly undercoat
Adults 40–101 g; males larger than females
Eyes covered by skin; no external ears; short powerful limbs with four digging claws
Burrows can exceed 200 m length, up to 500 mm deep

Commonly found

Widespread across South Africa (most widely distributed golden mole)Grasslands, coastal forest, savanna, Mediterranean shrublandArable land, pasture, plantations, rural and urban gardensFrom sea level to over 3,000 m where rainfall >500 mm

Behaviour

Solitary. The most widespread golden mole in southern Africa. Occurs in many habitats including suburban gardens and urban areas. Burrows are long and deep with subsurface foraging runs. Feeds on invertebrates. Not threatened; can be a nuisance in lawns and gardens where control or deterrents may be considered.

Why you may be seeing them

Molehills and surface disturbance in gardens, lawns, and farmland. Found from coastal regions to Highveld. Often confused with other golden moles; identification by range and habitat helps. Least Concern — no legal barrier to responsible control where damage occurs.

Often confused with

Cape golden mole (more coastal/Western Cape; similar habits) · Fynbos golden mole (fynbos only; Near Threatened)

When to get help

Persistent lawn or garden damage; multiple molehills; tunnels affecting plant roots or irrigation. Professional advice can recommend humane options; species is not protected.

Least Concern. Common in human-modified habitats. Control should be targeted and humane.

Hottentot golden mole guide Need help with moles? See Mole Control Cape Town

Cape Dune Mole-Rat

Bathyergus suillus

Conservation: Least Concern (IUCN)

Appearance

Largest blesmol: 27–35 cm head–body; short tail 3–4 cm
Cinnamon-brown fur; greyish underparts; thick soft pelage
Blunt snout; small eyes; no external pinnae; powerful curved claws
Males 570–1,350 g; females 590–970 g

Commonly found

Southern and western Cape coast (Vanrhynsdorp to Port Elizabeth)Sandy shores, river banks, veldt grassland, sedges, herbsLawns and gardens in coastal sandy areasSolitary burrow systems 50–420 m long

Behaviour

Solitary (unlike most mole-rats). Strictly herbivorous: grass, sedges, bulbs, tubers. Excavates with large incisors (lips close behind the teeth) and powerful foreclaw scratch-digging; pushes soil to surface as molehills. Can excavate up to ~500 kg soil per month. Burrows sealed with no surface openings; tunnels 35–65 cm deep, with deeper refuge chambers. Considered an economic pest: undermines roads, damages machinery, can chew cables and irrigation. Least Concern — professional control often sought in affected areas.

Why you may be seeing them

Large molehills and raised ridges in coastal sandy lawns, sports fields, and gardens. Damage to irrigation and cables reported. Most likely "mole" pest in Cape coastal suburbs with sandy soil. Not threatened; humane trapping and deterrents are used.

Often confused with

Common mole-rat (smaller; colonial; different range) · Namaqua dune mole-rat (Bathyergus janetta; overlaps near Groenrivier)

When to get help

Extensive burrowing; damage to irrigation, cables, or machinery; lawns or crops severely affected. Professional mole control offers trapping and exclusion; species is not protected.

Least Concern. Main mole-rat pest in Western Cape coastal strip. Control should be humane and targeted.

Cape dune mole-rat guide Need help with moles? See Mole Control Cape Town

Common Mole-Rat (African Mole-Rat)

Cryptomys hottentotus

Conservation: Least Concern (IUCN)

Appearance

Body 10.5–16.5 cm; tail 1.2–3.8 cm
Thick grey or brown fur; sometimes white spot on head
Cylindrical body; short limbs; ungrooved chisel-like incisors for digging
Loose skin; dense fur; can close lips behind incisors to keep soil out

Commonly found

Western Cape and much of Southern Africa (SA, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, etc.)Gardens, pasture, arable land, rural and suburban areasWide range of soil types; favours geophyte-rich areasColonial burrow systems

Behaviour

Colonial: family groups with a single breeding pair; up to ~14 individuals. Eusocial with workers and breeders. Herbivorous: geophytes (bulbs, tubers), grass rhizomes. Digs with incisors; pushes soil out in mounds. Burrowing can damage crops and gardens but also improves soil drainage and turnover. Dense and widespread; adaptable to pasture and gardens. Least Concern — control may be sought where they cause economic or garden damage.

Why you may be seeing them

Molehills and tunnel systems in gardens, farmland, and pasture. Often in areas with bulbs or root crops. Widespread across the Western Cape and beyond. Not threatened; responsible control or deterrents are used where necessary.

Often confused with

Cape dune mole-rat (much larger; solitary; coastal sand only) · Other Cryptomys subspecies in different regions

When to get help

Colony causing significant garden or crop damage; tunnels undermining structures or irrigation. Professional options include trapping and exclusion; species is not protected.

Least Concern. Very long-lived (up to ~30 years in captivity). Control should be humane.

Common mole-rat guide Need help with moles? See Mole Control Cape Town

Fynbos Golden Mole

Amblysomus corriae

Conservation: Near Threatened (IUCN)

Appearance

Small to medium golden mole; brown fur with iridescent sheen
Typical golden mole build: no visible eyes; powerful digging claws
Fynbos habitat specialist

Commonly found

Fynbos biome; Western CapeNatural vegetation; less often in heavily transformed gardens

Behaviour

Solitary; insectivorous. Fynbos specialist with restricted range. Near Threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Less likely to be the "mole" in a typical suburban lawn than Cape golden mole or mole-rats.

Why you may be seeing them

If you are in intact or remnant fynbos and see molehills or burrows, this species is possible. Do not kill or harm; consider reporting to local conservation authority if you need to manage habitat.

Often confused with

Cape golden mole (more generalist; gardens and lawns) · Hottentot golden mole (wider range)

When to get help

If you suspect Fynbos golden mole, avoid lethal control. Seek advice from a pest professional who can distinguish species and recommend non-lethal options or refer to conservation authorities.

Near Threatened. Protected; do not harm. Prefer deterrents and habitat management over lethal control.

Fynbos golden mole guide Need help with moles? See Mole Control Cape Town

Yellow Golden Mole

Calcochloris obtusirostris

Conservation: Near Threatened (IUCN)

Appearance

Small; yellowish or pale golden mole
Short, blunt snout; typical golden mole morphology

Commonly found

Two isolated subpopulations: northern KwaZulu-Natal and northeastern LimpopoEdge-of-range; not in Western Cape

Behaviour

Solitary; insectivorous. Near Threatened; threats include habitat degradation from overgrazing and fuelwood harvesting. Unlikely to be encountered in Cape Town or Western Cape gardens.

Why you may be seeing them

Only in KZN/Limpopo in suitable habitat. If you see a small yellowish golden mole there, avoid harm and consider reporting.

Often confused with

Other small golden moles in the same region

When to get help

Do not use lethal control. If identification is uncertain, contact a professional or conservation authority. Species is protected.

Near Threatened. Protected; do not harm.

Yellow golden mole guide Need help with moles? See Mole Control Cape Town

Grant's Golden Mole

Eremitalpa granti

Conservation: Vulnerable (IUCN)

Appearance

Slate-grey with yellowish tinge; short dense fur
Small; adapted to loose sand

Commonly found

Namib Desert and northern Cape coastal sandSandy desert and dunes; not in typical gardens

Behaviour

Lives in loose sand where burrows collapse; "swims" through sand by day and forages on surface at night. Feeds on termites under grass clumps; can travel ~6 km per night. Vulnerable due to habitat and limited range.

Why you may be seeing them

Rarely in gardens. If you are in Namib or N. Cape coastal dunes and see a small golden mole, it could be Grant's. Do not harm; protected.

Often confused with

De Winton's golden mole (Critically Endangered; Port Nolloth area; similar habitat)

When to get help

Never use lethal control. Report sightings to conservation or research bodies; species is Vulnerable.

Vulnerable. Protected; do not harm.

Grant's golden mole guide Need help with moles? See Mole Control Cape Town

Juliana's Golden Mole

Neamblysomus julianae

Conservation: Endangered (IUCN)

Appearance

Small golden mole; brown with golden sheen
Restricted range; limited habitat

Commonly found

Mpumalanga; Gauteng; very limited distributionSpecific soil and habitat requirements

Behaviour

Solitary; insectivorous. Endangered due to restricted range and habitat loss. Not a species typically encountered in Western Cape or general suburban gardens.

Why you may be seeing them

Only in its limited range. If you suspect Juliana's golden mole, do not harm; report to conservation authority.

Often confused with

Other Neamblysomus and small golden moles

When to get help

Do not use lethal control. Contact conservation or a professional who can advise; species is Endangered and protected.

Endangered. Protected; do not harm. Report sightings.

Need help with moles? See Mole Control Cape Town

De Winton's Golden Mole

Cryptochloris wintoni

Conservation: Critically Endangered (IUCN)

Appearance

Slate-grey with yellowish face, cheeks, lips; paler underparts
Resembles Grant's golden mole; third claw ~10.5 mm
Small; coastal sand specialist

Commonly found

Port Nolloth area (type locality); coastal sand dunesRediscovered 2023 (eDNA, burrow traces, sniffer dogs) — may occur south to Lambert's BaySubtropical shrubland, Mediterranean shrub, sandy shores

Behaviour

One of the world's most elusive mammals. Not seen for over 86 years until 2023. Inhabits coastal dunes; threatened by diamond mining and coastal development. Critically Endangered; possibly extinct in parts of range. Do not harm or disturb; report any suspected presence.

Why you may be seeing them

Extremely unlikely in a garden. If you are in Port Nolloth–Lambert's Bay coastal dunes and find burrows or signs, report to conservation/research (e.g. SANBI, Re:wild) — do not use mole control.

Often confused with

Grant's golden mole (Vulnerable; similar appearance and habitat)

When to get help

Never use lethal or disruptive control. Report potential De Winton's golden mole to conservation authorities. Species is Critically Endangered and protected.

Critically Endangered. Rediscovered 2023. Protected; report sightings; do not harm.

De Winton's golden mole guide Need help with moles? See Mole Control Cape Town

Giant Golden Mole

Chrysospalax trevelyani

Conservation: Endangered (IUCN)

Appearance

Largest golden mole (~20 cm); rough, dark fur
Forages in leaf litter; less strictly subterranean than smaller species

Commonly found

Eastern Cape forest; very restricted rangeForest and dense vegetation

Behaviour

Insectivorous; can forage above ground in leaf litter. Endangered due to limited forest habitat and human pressure. Not found in Western Cape gardens.

Why you may be seeing them

Only in Eastern Cape forest. If you suspect giant golden mole, do not harm; report to conservation.

Often confused with

Rough-haired golden mole (Chrysospalax villosus; Vulnerable)

When to get help

Do not use lethal control. Species is Endangered and protected.

Endangered. Protected; do not harm.

Giant golden mole guide Need help with moles? See Mole Control Cape Town

Common signs by location

Where you see molehills or tunnels — lawns, coastal sand, fynbos, or pasture — points to which species are most likely. Use this to narrow down identification and check conservation status before any control.

Lawns and gardens (Western Cape)
Cape golden mole and Hottentot most likely for small molehills; Cape dune mole-rat for large mounds in sandy coastal areas; common mole-rat for colonial activity in gardens and pasture.
Cape golden moleHottentot golden moleCape dune mole-ratCommon mole-rat
Coastal sandy soil (Vanrhynsdorp to Port Elizabeth)
Cape dune mole-rat is the main pest here; large molehills and burrow systems. Cape golden mole also in coastal gardens.
Cape dune mole-ratCape golden mole
Fynbos and natural vegetation
Fynbos golden mole is Near Threatened — do not harm. Cape and Hottentot may also occur in edge habitat.
Fynbos golden moleCape golden moleHottentot golden mole
Port Nolloth / Lambert's Bay coastal dunes
De Winton's (Critically Endangered) and Grant's (Vulnerable) may occur here. Never use lethal control; report sightings.
De Winton's golden moleGrant's golden mole
Highveld and grassland
Hottentot golden mole is widespread; common mole-rat in suitable soils. Both Least Concern.
Hottentot golden moleCommon mole-rat
Eastern Cape forest
Giant golden mole is Endangered; do not harm. Rare; report to conservation.
Giant golden mole
Damage to irrigation or cables
Cape dune mole-rat is known to chew cables and damage irrigation; seek professional control (humane).
Cape dune mole-rat
Raised ridges and molehills in pasture
Common mole-rat often colonial; Cape dune in coastal sandy pasture; Hottentot in grassland and pasture. Check conservation status before any lethal action.
Common mole-ratCape dune mole-ratHottentot golden mole

Why moles keep coming back

Burrow system still intact — moles and mole-rats have extensive tunnels; surface treatment or partial removal does not remove the whole system.
Food source still present — invertebrates (golden moles) or roots/grass (mole-rats) keep the area attractive.
Suitable soil and moisture — loose or sandy soil and adequate moisture support burrowing and prey.
No exclusion or barrier — without physical barriers or deterrents, new individuals or re-expansion can occur.
Nearby habitat — natural or unmanaged land nearby can source new animals.
Treatment did not target the species correctly — golden moles and mole-rats need different approaches; misidentification can lead to ineffective control.

Common mole behaviour patterns

These patterns help when you cannot identify by name alone. Always check conservation status — do not harm threatened species.

Small molehills in gardens (Cape / coastal)
Likely Cape golden mole or Hottentot golden mole. Both Least Concern. Humane deterrents and exclusion are options.
Large molehills in coastal sandy areas
Likely Cape dune mole-rat. Solitary; digs with claws; herbivore. Least Concern; professional trapping and exclusion used.
Colonial molehills in gardens or pasture
Likely common mole-rat. Colonial; herbivore; widespread. Least Concern; colony removal or exclusion may be needed.
Molehills in fynbos or natural vegetation
Could be Fynbos golden mole (Near Threatened) or Cape/Hottentot. Do not harm; identify first or use non-lethal methods.
Signs in Port Nolloth / N. Cape coastal dunes
Could be De Winton's (Critically Endangered) or Grant's (Vulnerable) golden mole. Never use lethal control; report to conservation.
Damage to cables or irrigation
Often Cape dune mole-rat. Seek professional humane control; protect cables with barriers where possible.
Raised ridges, no large mounds
Often golden moles (Cape or Hottentot) with superficial runs. Check species and conservation status before control.
Single large burrow system, coastal
Consistent with solitary Cape dune mole-rat. One animal per system; trapping or exclusion can be considered (Least Concern).

When to get professional help

Lawns or gardens repeatedly damaged by molehills or tunnels
Cape dune mole-rat damaging irrigation, cables, or machinery
Uncertain whether the animal is a threatened species (do not harm until identified)
Mole-rat colony affecting crops, pasture, or structures
You are in a region with threatened golden moles (e.g. Port Nolloth, fynbos) — need expert ID and non-lethal advice
Commercial or municipal land (sports fields, parks) affected
You want humane deterrents or exclusion rather than DIY lethal methods

Call Get mole control advice

Main research links

Official species assessments (SANBI) and field context from conservation partners. Opens in a new tab.

SANBI
Cape Golden Mole (Chrysochloris asiatica)
Least Concern; broad Western Cape and west coast range.
SANBI
De Winton's Golden Mole (Cryptochloris wintoni)
Critically Endangered; historically recorded only from Port Nolloth.
SANBI
Van Zyl's Golden Mole (Cryptochloris zyli)
Endangered; recorded near Lambert's Bay and Groenriviermond.
Endangered Wildlife Trust
Rediscovery of De Winton's Golden Mole
Recent rediscovery story and newer west-coast survey context.

Ready to manage mole damage responsibly?

Get professional mole control for lawns and gardens — or confirm species first so threatened moles are not harmed.

Get a quote Mole Control Cape Town

Cape Dune Mole-Rat

Bathyergus suillus

Conservation: Least Concern (IUCN)

Appearance

Largest blesmol: 27–35 cm head–body; short tail 3–4 cm
Cinnamon-brown fur; greyish underparts; thick soft pelage
Blunt snout; small eyes; no external pinnae; powerful curved claws
Males 570–1,350 g; females 590–970 g

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

Common mole-rat (smaller; colonial; different range) · Namaqua dune mole-rat (Bathyergus janetta; overlaps near Groenrivier)

When to get help

Extensive burrowing; damage to irrigation, cables, or machinery; lawns or crops severely affected. Professional mole control offers trapping and exclusion; species is not protected.

Least Concern. Main mole-rat pest in Western Cape coastal strip. Control should be humane and targeted.

Cape dune mole-rat guide Need help with moles? See Mole Control Cape Town

Mole Identification Guide

How to use this guide

Endangered mole map — Western Cape

Quick comparison

Species at a glance

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Common signs by location

Lawns and gardens (Western Cape)

Coastal sandy soil (Vanrhynsdorp to Port Elizabeth)

Fynbos and natural vegetation

Port Nolloth / Lambert's Bay coastal dunes

Highveld and grassland

Eastern Cape forest

Damage to irrigation or cables

Raised ridges and molehills in pasture

Why moles keep coming back

Common mole behaviour patterns

Small molehills in gardens (Cape / coastal)

Large molehills in coastal sandy areas

Colonial molehills in gardens or pasture

Molehills in fynbos or natural vegetation