abstract |
The article
presents data on the biology of Ellobius talpinus
kept in captivity. The creation of semi-underground
conditions in a terrarium and long-term observations
of a group of mole voles during 2003–2014 are described.
The course of the life cycle of these animals in
the terrarium is presented: daily and seasonal activity,
burrowing activity, diet and food preferences, and
reproduction. It has been revealed that captive
mole voles change their daily activity on the surface
from crepuscular to diel or even diurnal, which
is related to the absence of disturbance factors
or sudden changes in temperature and light. Seasonal
activity in captivity is not pronounced, and is
represented by two cases of reproduction that occurred
in the summer months. The burrowing activity is
extremely high; mole voles burrow or clean their
passages daily and often with every activity, without
any particular need, demonstrating a stereotypical
form of behaviour. Social behaviour, specifics of
communication between individuals, and vocalisation
are described. It has been noted that mole voles
are characterised by high communication activity,
both tactile between adults and when exploring the
environment. Cases of special high-frequency vocalisation
such as ‘grinding’ directed not towards another
individual, but to the corners of the terrarium,
where the mole voles were searching for the possibility
of making passages, were repeatedly observed and
recorded on video. The following aspects of behaviour
were also analysed: reaction to the observer, new
conditions, and disturbances, as well as features
of group behaviour, including aggression, joint
rest, and feeding. Mole voles consumed food both
where it was placed and in their chambers, but most
often they attempted to make stocks in the chambers.
They preferred roots and bulbs of cultivated plants.
The experience of forming breeding pairs was gained,
which allowed us to study the course of pregnancy
and the development and growth of the neonates and
young. The appearance and condition of neonates
are described along with the presence of teeth,
the time when the eyes open, the process of feeding
and weaning, growth and weight gain, the ability
to move and burrow, and features of parental care.
The experience gained demonstrates both the possibility
of introduction of the species and the formation
of reserve groups to restore lost natural populations. |
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