Blind mole-rat thought extinct is sighted in Croatia

Blind mole-rat

In eastern Croatia, near Vučedol, an animal long believed to be extinct has reappeared.

Croatian scientists have confirmed the existence of the blind mole-rat, a small mammal similar to a mole, with laboratory evidence proving that this creature, thought to have vanished decades ago, still inhabits parts of Croatia.

The blind mole-rat ravaged Dijana Molnar’s garden in a week.

“At first, they said it only eats potatoes, carrots, the stuff underground. But then it turned out it eats onions too. It even gnawed on the roots of my tomatoes,” Dijana Molnar, from Vukovar, told HRT.

This small, furry animal, which lacks eyes and ears, lives underground and digs tunnels where it stores food.

“They usually feast on people’s garden produce, pulling up carrots and the like. It’s where those cartoon scenes come from, with a carrot being tugged underground while people struggle to pull it back,” Dušan Jelić, a scientist and biologist, explained to HRT.

Historical accounts suggested the blind mole-rat had not been seen for around 70 years, although some records even pointed to a gap of 120 years.

“It must have existed before, even in the time of the ancient Vučedol civilisation, but it has now been rediscovered,” said Pavao Dragičević from the Public Institution for the Protection of Natural Values of Vukovar-Srijem County.

Croatian scientists visited Vučedol several times, conducting detailed research. They have now confirmed that the animal in question is indeed the blind mole-rat.

“We conducted a population estimate, determining that the species is confined to a very small area in Vučedol, no more than a few hundred metres in size. The population likely consists of only 30 to 50 individuals,” explained Dušan Jelić.

Blind mole-rats are solitary creatures, not known for their beauty, but they are considered ‘super animals.’

“I read online that it’s one of the rare animals that doesn’t develop cancer, which is why it’s being studied,” said Dijana Molnar.

Although they destroy gardens, this endangered species must be protected. Vučedol is home to the last population of blind mole-rats in Croatia.