Features of the Biology of the False Zokor (Myospalax aspalax, Rodentia, Spalacidae) from Eastern Transbaikalia
- Authors: Bazhenov Y.A.1,2
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Affiliations:
- Institute of Nature Resources, Ecology, and Cryology, Siberian Branch
- Daurskii State Nature Biosphere Reserve, Nizhnii Tsasuchei
- Issue: Vol 44, No 7 (2017)
- Pages: 807-812
- Section: Article
- URL: https://journals.rcsi.science/1062-3590/article/view/182542
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1062359017070020
- ID: 182542
Cite item
Abstract
The features, population characteristics of reproduction, nutrition, and lifestyle of an extremely poorly studied narrow-range species of underground rodents—the false zokor (Myospalax aspalax)—have been described on the basis of original field materials. The data were obtained within the Russian part of the species range in Zabaikal’skii krai. The false zokor is characterized by a pronounced sexual dimorphism in body size (males are larger) and a predominance of females in the population. Mating takes place in April; at other times of the year, zokors lead a solitary lifestyle. The size of the brood is small: 3.7 embryos per breeding female. Their preferred food is bulbs and rhizomes of Allium, Thermopsis, Phragmites, and Leymus. In Eastern Transbaikalia, they are active in winter.
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About the authors
Yu. A. Bazhenov
Institute of Nature Resources, Ecology, and Cryology, Siberian Branch; Daurskii State Nature Biosphere Reserve, Nizhnii Tsasuchei
Author for correspondence.
Email: uran238@ngs.ru
Russian Federation, Chita, 672014; Zabaikal’skii krai, 674480