Reproduction, postnatal development, and social behavior of Ellobius lutescens Thomas, 1897 (Mammalia: Rodentia) in captivity

The reproduction, postnatal development, and social behaviors of the Transcaucasian mole vole (Ellobius lutescens) were studied in the laboratory in 2012/2013. The collected voles were kept in glass cages in captivity conditions and observations were made throughout the year. The litter size, gestation period, neonate weight, eye-opening, weaning, and earliest sexual maturity age were observed. Pups were born with 'nipple-seizing incisors'. These incisors were different from those of adults. The molars and normal incisor eruption appeared after 19-21 days. Females have three pairs of nipples. The adult females were bigger in size than the males, yet the males consumed more food than the females. Isolated individuals consumed more food than did the paired animals.

Anahtar Kelimeler:

Mammals, Ellobius lutescens, mole vole, reproduction, Turkey

Reproduction, postnatal development, and social behavior of Ellobius lutescens Thomas, 1897 (Mammalia: Rodentia) in captivity

Keywords:

Mammals, Ellobius lutescens, mole vole, reproduction, Turkey,

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E. lutescens was active during the day and night, but was most active in the morning and evening. These observations were compatible with those of Ognev (1963).
The digging modality was the same as that reported by Coşkun (2001) and Lay (1967).
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