Resource characteristics and foraging adaptations in the silvery mole-rat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Heliophobius argenteocinereus</Emphasis>), a solitary Afrotropical bathyergid |
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Authors: | Jan ?klíba Radim ?umbera Milo? Vitámvás |
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Institution: | 1.Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science,University of South Bohemia,?eské Budějovice,Czech Republic |
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Abstract: | The African mole rats (Bathyergidae) is a rodent family unique for subterranean life and diverse social systems. Solitary
species are thought to be confined to areas with abundant, evenly distributed food resources and easily workable soils, which
favors early natal dispersal and independent reproduction. However, there is a paucity of empirical data confirming this assumption.
We examined ecological conditions of a typical natural habitat of the solitary silvery mole-rat (Heliophobius argenteocinereus), which is the Miombo woodland, and we identified behavioral and other adaptations which potentially improve its foraging
success. We also tested food selectivity of captive mole-rats. In the Miombo, mole-rat food resources were clumped, but relatively
ample. This, along with a predictable and relatively short period of year with dry and difficult-to-work soil, creates relatively
moderate ecological conditions. Analysis of food stores showed that food storing alone probably does not secure enough food
to overcome the advanced dry season in this species. In light of this, several other adaptations, such as food generalism
and area-restricted search can assist silvery mole-rats retaining positive energy balance during these times. Food-preference
tests showed that silvery mole-rats prefer tubers with high sugar content, followed by those with high water content. |
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