Social and Vocal Behavior of Microtus socialis and M. paradoxus in Experiment

Abstract

The intraspecific relations of two species of the subgenus Sumeriomys have been studied: the social vole Microtus socialis and the paradox vole M. paradoxus. The relationships between animals same-sex individuals in the experimental groups, are generally amicable, but the cohabitation of two or more females suppresses reproduction. Groups formed from unfamiliar individuals were characterized by increased aggressiveness, which led to high mortality. The paradox vole was diffed from social vole by higher motor and social activity and greater aggressiveness towards unfamiliar individuals. The vocal behavior of individuals of both species is similar. 30% of contacts between individuals are accompanied by squeaks; males sing in intersex interactions, but this behavior is rare (less than 1% of contacts).