Daily movements and maximum speed in Ctenomys talarum (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae) in artificial enclosures

Abstract

Ctenomys talarum is a solitary subterranean rodent that maintains exclusive territories by constant movement through a sealed tunnel system. In this study we evaluate the distance traveled in an artificial burrow and maximum natural locomotor speed reached in a 24-h period. Distance moved per day was 179.99 m ± 69.62 SD, and ratio of distance moved to total burrow length was 12.4:1. Maximum locomotor speed was 0.75 m/s ± 0.01 SD. No relationships were found between either distance moved or speed and photoperiod or ambient temperature, and between body mass and distance moved or locomotor speed. Distance moved by C. talarum is related to maintenance of burrow and territorial defense, and locomotor speed, probably, responds to aboveground predation.