Soilminer (SciiFii)

The soilminer (Talpalepus cuniculum) is a species of lagomorph, most closely related to rabbits, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, and scrublands across Africa and Eurasia to help boost biodiversity. The soilminer is a very small lagomorph, one of the smallest in the world, only growing to be about 8 centimeters (3.1 inches) long on average. The soilminer is entirely herbivorous and primarily feeds on roots and tubers, although it also feeds on grasses that grow on and around the entrance of its burrow. The soilminer can store food in its burrow whenever possible, to minimize the amount of time that it is out in the open. Unlike rabbits, the soilminer is completely fossorial, developing a similar body plan and adaptations to those of gophers and moles, a result from scientists creating the species to mirror convergent evolution. The soilminer is adapted to burrowing underground, using its powerful digging claws at the front feet to dig through even compacted soil and thick gravel with ease. The soilminer has small eyes and ears to keep the debris from entering them. The soilminer does not have the ability to hop, but retains its elongated back feet in order to kick away debris while digging. The soilminer is able to dig very long tunnels underground (which can cover an area as large as a soccer field), filled with various dens and several food storages, where it sustains itself with roots of trees and other vegetation. The soilminer has an accute mental map of its home range. Its small size coupled with the fact that the soilminer prefers to use existing tunnels rather than digging its own makes the risk of it undermining buildings extremely small, despite its name. The soilminer burrows are often inhabited by a wide array of other animals, such as tortoises and hovering swoopers, which are known to share nesting burrows with soilminers. Unlike rabbits, the soilminer is a solitary animal and prefers to live alone except during the breeding season. Mating occurs year-round in the tropics and subtropics, but only occurs during the spring in the temperate and boreal areas. The female soilminers give birth to 2-6 babies, which become independent from their parents by four weeks of age. The soilminers have very short lifespans compared with most lagomorphs, living only around 1 or 2 years in age, although there are reports of soilminers living past 3 years. The conservation status of the soilminer is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the soilminer's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.