Social structure of family groups in the social vole Microtus socialis under laboratory and semi-natural conditions [Russian]

摘要

The structure of social relationships of the vole Microtus socialis being kept in family groups under laboratory and semi-natural conditions is described. Four family groups of 5 to 8 individuals (total 27) were observed in laboratory cages, 5 adults and 8 young individuals, in an enclosure of 400 m(2). Totally, 1425 interactions and 2815 elementary social acts were registered. Peaceful interactions were found to predominate in the behavioral repertoire on the species studied. The social rank of an individual is dependent on the frequency of showing its ritualized agonistic behavior. Indices of asymmetry of interactions between family group members are not so high and average 0.66. Parent individuals predominante mainly in family groups, but some of subadults are able to acquire a higher social rank than adults. A resemblance of the social behavior in Microtus socialis and Lasiopodomys brandti voles is discussed.