Parental behavior of the volcano mouse, Neotomodon alstoni (Rodentia : Muridae), in captivity

Abstract

Paternal behavior of the volcano mouse (Neotomodon alstoni) was studied and its role in the care of young compared with that of the female. Paternal behavior of this rodent under laboratory conditions consisted of direct and indirect activities, such as huddling, grooming, sniffing, and retrieving young as well as maintenance and vigilance of the nest. The male volcano mouse exhibited all components of parental behavior displayed by mothers, except suckling. However, the male participated significantly more than the female in huddling, grooming, and sniffing. The existence of paternal behavior in this rodent suggests that under natural conditions this species exhibits a monogamous mating system because monogamy in rodents is often associated with paternal care.