Interspecies relationships of Meriones meridianus and Meriones libycus in an experimental groups

摘要

Spatial and social relations in a joint group of Meriones meridianus and M. libycus kept in a large enclosure were studied. Interspecies interrelations were rare and amounted to 12.3% of the total registered social contacts (n = 1730). Peaceful relations were uncommon (n = 12), aggressive contacts and avoidance were characteristic of voles. In joint keeping each of two gerbil species maintains specific spatial and social structure. Despite principal similarity of social structures in gerbil males, there was not unitary social structure in the joint group. There was no domination of one species over the others. In natural synoptic of Meriones meridianus and M. libycus populations direct interspecies social contacts seem to be very rare, they can not be the basis of the united interspecies social structure.