The genus Scapanulus is represented by a single species, S.oweni or the Gansu mole. Little is known of this species and it has only been recorded in the provinces of south Gansu, east Qinghai, south west Shaanxi and north Sichuan, China, in montane habitat at altitudes between 2700 to 3000m.
S. oweni is considered as "Lower Risk" sub-category "Least Concern" by the IUCN.