Airborne and substrate-borne communications of Microtus (Terricola) gerbei and M. (T.) duodecimcostatus

Abstract

The repertoire of airborne and substrate-borne communications is described for two species of mole-voles: Microtus (Terricola) gerbei (de Selys-Longchamps, 1847) and M. (T.) duodecimcostatus (de Selys-Longchamps, 1839). The behavioural significance of the different types of sounds emitted was analysed from observations of intraspecific interactions in captive environments. Substrate-borne signals were used more often by dominant individuals, and were predominantly recorded in the more aggressive species, M. duodecimcostatus. The use of substrate-borne signals is much more prevalent in the more aggressive M. duodecimcostatus, while the less aggressive M. gerbei has a larger acoustical repertoire.