Locomotor patterns, territory, and tunnel utilization in the mole‐rat Spalax ehrenbergi

The mole‐rat (Spalax ehrenbergi) is a solitary, subterranean rodent that excavates and inhabits its own tunnel system. The present study employed continuous radio‐telemetry in order to determine the structure and use of the mole‐rat's territory throughout the year. The use of radiotagged animals revealed that the spatial division of individuals in one area cannot be predicted simply on the basis of the above‐ground distribution of mounds. It was shown that mole‐rat territories undergo constant change in use and location throughout the year, with tunnel lengths averaging 18.7 ± 4.0 m in the dry season and 39.1 ± 7.1 m in the rainy season. The basic pattern of the mole‐rat tunnel system consisted of a main tunnel, 20–40 cm below the ground, with several short secondary tunnels branching off it. Most of the nests were connected to the tunnel system by two or more exits. During one 24‐h period, a mole‐rat travelled about 17 times the total length of its territory. Mole‐rats are active for about 50% of the time all year round, mainly during the day, and always return to the same nest for resting periods. The mole‐rat traverses its territory by walking short distances (c. 2 m) interspersed with pauses at certain permanent sites. While the pattern of territorial patrol normally remains uniform, under threat the patrol ceases to be homogeneous and the frequency of visits to confrontational areas increases. At these locations, the mole‐rat produces its‘head drumming’(vibrational) communication in order to announce its presence and defend its territory.