Some aspects of the biology of east African mole-rats

Abstract

Knowledge of the biology of mole-rats is very limited: This thesis aims to present a largely comparative account of some aspects of the biology of three widely divergent genera of East African mole-rats. A comparative study is particularly interesting because of the diverse phylogenetic origens and social structure of these mole-rats. Of the three genera, Tachyoryctes (Family Rhizomyidae), Heliophobius and Heterocephalus (Family Bathyergidae- )two are solitary aggress ( animals and the third Heterocephalus)is colonial. 2) This thesis{is based on data from material dissected in the laboratory, on field observations and on the study of captive animalse 3) Remarkable similarities are found both in the method of digging and in the burrow systems of the .three genera. Dissimilarities in burrow pattern and length can be largely attributed to the different habitats and food requirements of the three genera. More marked dissimilarities, particularly in the function and structure of the nest chamber and in the method of soil transportation