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I found this hamster-sized rodent at the top of the Sani Pass during a birding trip.



The African ice rat is a diurnal, herbivorous rodent, endemic to the alpine habitats of our southern Drakensberg and Maluti Mountains at altitude exceeding 2000m. These environments are characterized by sub-zero temperatures in winter and high levels of solar radiation in summer.

Ice rats live in colonies contain up to 17 individuals. They bask in the sun during cold winter days when snow is on the ground. During periods of extremely cold weather, they do not emerge from their burrows, foregoing basking and foraging. Intricate interlinking underground tunnel systems with sometimes more than 25 entrance holes and 1-2 nesting chambers, located about 300mm beneath the surface, provide a warm refuge for the ice rats at night as well as during adverse weather conditions.

Ice rats are specialised herbivores, feeding mainly on the floral parts, leaves and stems of grasses and herbaceous plants, obtaining all its moisture requirements from the food it consumes.

Interesting sighting Johan !! Never known about these rodents

Great stuff

Now that is a cute little critter

I've never even heard of these little rodents.............thanks Johan.

I'll look out for him next time we're there.