Vocalizations of the giant mole-rat (Fukomys mechowii), a subterranean rodent with the richest vocal repertoire

摘要

In subterranean ecotope, where absence of light and ventilation limits visual and olfactory communication, options for long-range communication are restricted. Sound is thus one of the few channels available for transfer of the intraspecific information if the animals are not in direct contact. Nevertheless, even this kind of communication is limited by the acoustic conditions of the burrows. It is known that low-frequency sounds are best propagated here. In our study, we describe the vocal repertoire of the social subterranean rodent, the giant mole-rat (Fukomys mechowii, Bathyergidae), from mesic Afrotropics. Its vocal repertoire is shifted to lower frequencies than in other subterranean rodents. The giant mole-rat has the richest vocal repertoire among all subterranean rodents studied so far. In four behavioural contexts, we distinguished 14 single sounds of true vocalization and four types of mechanical communication. Additionally, one seismic (soil-borne) signal of unclear function has been identified. We suggest that the rich vocal repertoire is connected with rich social interactions in giant mole-rat families.