[Density-dependent behavior of the shrews (Sorex araneus, S. caecutiens, and S.minutus) in natural and experimental conditions].
The behavior of three common shrew species was compared in a test of pairwise placement in a neutral territory (10 min) for various population densities in natural habitats and for animals kept isolated or in groups in open-air cage conditions. The behavior of the animals captured in nature was considered as the norm. We considered total number of social contacts (as an index of social activity), as well as the proportions of direct and ritualized aggressive interactions, contact avoidances, and friendly interactions (as a description of the interaction structure). Isolation of the shrews proved to decrease their social activity. Top frequency of interactions was observed in the animals kept in groups in open-air cages. The level of "sociality" and the changes in behavior related to different population density can be more significant in the three shrew species than the species-specific differences in their behavior.
Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskii pr. 33, Moscow, 119071 Russia.
A A
AA
Kalinin
N A
NA
Shchipanov
D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D006799:Housing, Animal; D012788:Shrews / Q000502:physiology*; D012919:Social Behavior; D012931:Social Environment; D013045:Species Specificity