A method for studying social and reproductive behaviour of subterranean rodents in captivity

A methodology for studying the social and reproductive behaviour of solitary subterranean rodents under laboratory conditions is proposed. A first account of Ctenomys talarum (Thomas, 1898) behaviour is also provided with the aim of evaluating the proposed methodology and to advance presently unknown information on its social behaviour and mating system. The device is a seminatural enclosure, departing from traditional test cages with respect to increased: (1) size, (2) structural complexity, (3) social complexity, and (4) resemblance to natural conditions. It consists of artificial burrows each comprising 3.5 m of tunnel, a resource cage and a nest box, resembling the structural complexity described for C. talarum burrows. Burrows are connected to a common space, which allows social interaction among various individuals. Animals were observed in the seminatural enclosure - 3 females and 2 males, in accordance with sex ratios found in natural populations - for a period of 6 months. We obtained data related to reproductive and social behaviour: marking, aggression, vocalization, courtship and copulation, pregnancy, pup development, and parental care. The proposed system enables the collection of behavioural data as yet unavailable due to the secretive habits and aggressiveness that characterize this group of rodents, coupled with the difficulties associated with simulating subterranean conditions.