IVth International Conference on Dormice (Rodentia, Gliridae)13 - 16 September 1999 EDÝRNE - TURKEY |
ON THE GROWTH AND THE BEHAVIORAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMON DORMOUSE MUSCARDINUS AVELLANARIUS
Delov, V. *, Tsingarska, E. ** & Peshev, D.**
* 13 Evlogy Georgyev str., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria,e-mail: ventzi@biofac.uni-sofia.bg
** Dragan Tzankov blvd. 8, 1421 Sofia, Bulgaria.
The behaviour of a female individual during pregnancy and its parental cares were observed in captivity. The mother built a spherical nest two days before giving birth. On periods of about 10 days the female replaced her offspring in a new nest. She also makes attempts for replacing the young after handing them.
The physical and behavioural development the young were described. Descriptions of the changes in the size, weight and infantile behaviour were made every three days from 2 to 51 days age.
On the 8-day age the ears are already open. The first fur appears on their backs. The young are capable to move in back direction and to hang on a branch for a long time. On the 14th day age the eyes begin to open. The moving abilities increase. On 17 days age their moving abilities are close to those of the adults. Self-defencive behaviour and biting observed for first time on the 20th day. A specific posture adopted in air while jumping from high spot was observed. On 26 day age the young already escape when trying to take them in hands. They imitate their mother during preparation of the material for the nest. The lactation is over on the 29th day. First social interactions among young were observed on 32 days age. On the 38 days age were observed attempts for mutual deprivation of the food. Until 44th day wish for a contact with the mother was observed and until 51th day wish for staying together of the young was expressed.