Silvery mole-rats ( Heliophobius argenteocinereus, Bathyergidae) change their burrow architecture seasonally

Little is known about seasonal changes in burrowing activity and burrow architecture in subterranean African mole-rats (Bathyergidae, Rodentia). The solitary genus Heliophobius is the least known genus of this family. We examined burrow systems of the silvery mole-rat (Heliophobius argenteocinereus)...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Die Naturwissenschaften 2003-08, Vol.90 (8), p.370-373
Main Authors: Sumbera, Radim, Burda, Hynek, Chitaukali, Wilbert N, Kubová, Jana
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal Communication
Animals
Environment
Housing, Animal
Malawi
Mole Rats - physiology
Seasons
Social Behavior
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Summary:Little is known about seasonal changes in burrowing activity and burrow architecture in subterranean African mole-rats (Bathyergidae, Rodentia). The solitary genus Heliophobius is the least known genus of this family. We examined burrow systems of the silvery mole-rat (Heliophobius argenteocinereus) in Malawi in two periods of the dry season. Burrow pattern was influenced by the time of the year, becoming more reticulated at the peak of the dry season when soil was dry and hard. Overall digging activity did not cease during the dry season; yet burrowing strategy changed and the soil was deposited in tunnels rather than transported to mounds. The length of burrow systems was correlated with the body mass of the respective occupants. In spite of their solitary habits--and contrary to the prediction of the aridity food-distribution hypothesis--silvery mole-rats are able to occupy poor habitats with low food supply.
ISSN:0028-1042
1432-1904
DOI:10.1007/s00114-003-0439-y