The social organisation and behaviour of the striped field-mouse Rhabdomys Pumilio (Sparrman 1784) : studies in captivity and in the field

In Part I of this study, the social organisation and cormnunicative behaviour of the striped field-mouse Rhabdomys pumilio was studied in a large outdoor cage. It was found that the social organisation was based on a male dominance hierarchy, with the development of territory in the dominant male and breeding females. The level of testosterone in males was found to be a reliable index of social status. Analysis of spatial relationships and behavioural interactions among individuals showed these factors to be closely related to social status. Rhabdomys was found to have a well-developed repertoire of visual displays, to use ultrasonic calls in social interactions, and to be dependent, to a certain extent, on chemical communication. In Part II, an attempt was made to confirm these findings in the field. Home ranges on the Cape Flats were determined by tracking; testosterone was used as an index of. social statua. Similarly structured hierarchies were found, as well as indications of territoriality. Home range sizes, distribution and spatial relationships of individuals were determined. Rhabdomys was found to prefer habitats of good ground cover.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Biological Sciences

Year dc:date.issued

1980

Author dc:creator

• Johnson, Anne Glynis

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/12543

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/12543