This rodent digs underground tunnels with its large front claws and incisors. It carries food in cheek pouches outside its mouth.
It has a blunt, sturdy body, short legs, and large claws on its front feet. Its eyes and ears are small, and its brown fur can take on a reddish or yellowish cast that resembles the soil.
It digs foraging tunnels underground and eats roots. It is usually solitary and territorial, although young may stay with their mother during the breeding season. Its external cheek pouches carry food and nesting material.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.