What is a "zokor"?

The zokor is a small, burrowing rodent that belongs to the family Spalacidae. It is native to central Asia, particularly the regions of Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan. Zokors are well adapted to life underground, with stout bodies, short limbs, and powerful claws for digging. They have velvety fur that is typically gray or brown in color, and their eyes and ears are small, reflecting their subterranean lifestyle. Zokors are herbivorous, feeding on plant roots, tubers, and bulbs, and they are known for their extensive burrow systems that they use for shelter and foraging. They are solitary animals and are mainly active at night. Zokors are considered fossorial species, meaning they spend most of their lives underground, and they are important for their ecological role in soil turnover and nutrient cycling.