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Contemporary Problems of Ecology

2010 year, number 1

Interactions in Family Pairs and Parental Care in Captive Steppe Lemming (Lagurus lagurus)

V. S. Gromov
Keywords: steppe lemming, pair bonding, parental behavior, grooming
Pages: 181-189

Abstract

In ten pairs of the steppe lemming, L. lagurus, rearing their first litters, both direct and indirect parental activities were estimated under laboratory conditions during the observation period (21 days from parturition) divided into 4 rearing stages: days 2-6, 7-11, 12-16 and 17-21, respectively. Interactions between adults in family pairs were revealed to be neutral or peaceful ones with rare agonistic contacts. Frequency and duration of partner grooming were found to be much lower than those ones in other vole species with family-group mode of life. These findings suggest weak pair bonding in steppe lemmings. There were pronounced sex differences in total time spent in the nest as well as in time spent by adults alone in the nest. Besides, duration of pup grooming in females was much greater than that in males. Thus, there is different parental investment in L. lagurus females and males. These findings are consistent with the published data concerning the use of space and social organization of the steppe lemming. Parental behaviour of L. lagurus is discussed in comparison with that of other microtine rodents.