The star-nose condylure (Condylura cristata) is a remarkable little creature which evolved in the wetland habitats of North America. Its characteristic nasal appendage and its anatomical and behavioural adaptations allow it to subsist in environments that are often inaccessible.

This aquatic mole is covered with a dense, silky fur – black or dark grey in colour – which helps it withstand the damp, cold conditions of its marshy habitats. Its muzzle bears 22 tentacles which surround its nostrils. Rich in nerve endings, they are extremely sensitive to touch and play a crucial role in the search for food. Thanks to this exceptional nose, the condylure can detect subtle movement and vibration in the water or underground, allowing it to detect and capture prey such as aquatic insects, worms and crustaceans.

Well adapted to life underground, the condylure is an excellent digger. With its large front limbs equipped with strong claws, it digs through the soil and sediment, looking for food. Its varied diet makes it an important link in damp ecosystems, where it contributes to the control of populations of invertebrates.

This strange animal is generally solitary, although it can share its burrow with its peers during cold periods. In spite of its reserved, withdrawn lifestyle, the star condylure can be vulnerable to environmental disruptions. Loss of habitat due to urbanization, water pollution and other human activities can threaten these unique animals. To ensure their preservation, it is essential that wetlands be protected and that the delicate equilibrium of the ecosystems in which they live be preserved.

The star condylure incarnates the ingenuity of evolution and the way in which special anatomical adaptations can allow a species to thrive in environments which appear hostile. Its capacity to exploit the resources of aquatic environments make it an essential player in the biodiversity of North American wetlands.

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