Behavior of the shrews Sorex volnuchini and S. raddei

摘要

The behaviour of Sorex volnuchini and S. raddei was studied in neurtral arena tests (50 X 50 cm) at the Caucasus Reserve. The behaviour repertory for interaction of animals from various age and sex groups is described. The data on identifying, integrating, agonistic, marking, and other behavioral patterns are given. Both species demonstrated a wide repertoire of integrating behavior, including different tactile contacts and clustering. The role of identifying and integrating behavior is more important in youngs of the year (>90%). Though ritual aggression increases in relationships between young and adults, they still remain friendly. Aggressive elements are most frequent in adult males of S. volnuchini, however, the frequency of direct aggressions between them is rather small. The numerous patterns of friendly behavior distinguish the species studied among other representatives of the genus Sorex and allow one to propose the presence of relatively advanced for Soricividae, forms of social population structure.