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Vocal communication in Microtus (Terricola) schelkovnikovi and M. (T.) daghestanicus in the audible range of frequencies

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Abstract

Vocal communication in the audible range of sound frequencies in two species of voles from the subgenus Terricola includes two calls: squeak-type vocalizations in the context of discomfort; and courtship vocalization, although the latter is rarely used by the animals. In this study, compared with Schelkovnikov’s pine vole [Microtus (Terricola) schelkovnikovi], squeak-type vocalizations of the Daghestan pine voles [M. (T.) daghestanicus] showed higher frequency characteristics and shorter duration. The squeak-type vocalizations of the former species did not exhibit sexual dimorphism. Differences in the call characteristics of the two species could be the result of both gene drift and the effects of biotopes on the evolution of their sound signals.

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Acknowledgments

The author is grateful to Yu. M. Kovalskaya and T.A. Zorenko, who provided the opportunity to work with live animals.

Funding

This work was financially supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation [project no. 16-14-10269].

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  1. A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Katukova Street, 21-1-117, Moscow, 123181, Russia

    M. V. Rutovskaya

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Rutovskaya, M.V. Vocal communication in Microtus (Terricola) schelkovnikovi and M. (T.) daghestanicus in the audible range of frequencies. J Ethol 37, 187–195 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10164-019-00587-5

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