Reproduction, postnatal development, and social behavior of Ellobius lutescens Thomas, 1897 (Mammalia: Rodentia) in captivity

Abstract

Just et al. (2002) reported that E. lutescens produces litters inadequately in captivity, but Stefan and Steimer (1978) stated that E. lutescens has a relatively regular reproduction rate in the laboratory. Ognev (1963) found that E. lutescens gave birth to four litters annually, each with 2-4 young; Coşkun and Ulutürk (2003) reported that they gave birth to at least two litters throughout the year having 2-4 pups; Nowak (1995) stated that they produce 6-7 litters annually, each with 3-5 young; Walker (1964) found that E. lutescens can bear 1-7 pups twice a year; and Stefan and Steimer (1978) stated that they produce litters regularly each with 1-4 pups throughout the year. The gestation period of E. lutescens is 26 days and the young reach sexual maturity by 96 days. The pups stay with parents for 2 months (Nowak, 1995). According to Ognev (1963) and Coşkun and Ulutürk ( 2003), E. lutescens breeds from April to the end of October and in March-April and October-November, respectively.Evdokimov (2013) concluded that the northern mole vole (E. talpinus) has a low reproductive potential. Smorkatcheva and Kumaitova (2014) mentioned that while Zaisan mole voles (E. tancrei) readily breed in captivity, the birth rate is generally low and quite unpredictable, with intervals between litters ranging from 32 days to about 6 months. Evdokimov (2013) reported that sexual maturation in E. talpinus depends on the time of the animal's birth, but most of them matured after the first wintering. The young opened their eyes on days 21-28 and independent feeding was observed on days 20-25. Younglings reach the size of adult animals at an age of 2-3 months. Smorkatcheva and Kumaitova (2014) stated that pups of E. tancrei opened their eyes around days 22-26. Weaning gradually occurred over the next several days. E. tancrei offspring stay in the natal burrow until at least 2-3 months of age. During this period, reproductive females can deliver one or several litters. Female offspring most likely will not breed unless their mother dies. Litter size ranges from 1 to 4 pups. Smorkatcheva and Kumaitova

Review of unique odd chromosome-numbered underground rodent species ofthe Palearctic region: Ellobius lutescens Thomas 1897 (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

“…Postnatal development is shown in Figure 6 (Kaya and Coşkun, 2015). The duration of the pups to both suckle and feed on vegetables was about 8-10 days (Kaya and Coşkun, 2015). Os penis extremely minute, basally extremely expanded, terminally rounded (Ognev, 1963).…”

“…These incisors were yellowish and bent sideways at the tips. They could be used to seize nipples that were too small (Kaya and Coşkun, 2015). The upper incisors extend much further backwards in the maxillary bones than in any other Microtinae (Hinton, 1926;Ognev, 1963;Roberts, 1977;Harrison and Bates, 1991).…”

“…The elevational distribution is from ca. 1500 to about 2800 m in East Anatolia including Van, Hakkari, Ağrı, and Iğdır provinces (Figure 3) (Coşkun and Ulutürk, 2001;Kaya and Coşkun, 2015). Live mole voles allowed to wander freely frequently fell into holes, over drop-offs, and into streams, an indication that they may have poor vision (Lay, 1967).…”

“…They were active (feeding, digging, grooming) almost all day and night, but mostly during morning and evening. They usually fed in the morning (Kaya and Coşkun, 2015).…”

“…Their food is composed of potatoes, carrots, beets, clover roots, and T me (day) ) Figure 6. Mean mass and linear measurements of E. lutescens from birth to 98 days of age (ToL: total length, HFL: hind foot length, TL: tail length) (Kaya and Coşkun, 2015).…”