Long-range communications in a Ctenomys species from La Rioja, Argentina: basic characteristics

AMAYA JUAN PABLO; VALENTINUZZI VERONICA; FRANCESCOLI GABRIEL

Congreso; XXIV International Bioacoustics Congress; 2013

Tuco-tucos are subterranean rodents endemic of South America with more than 50 species distributed over the southern part of the continent, most of them solitary. Acoustic signals are part of the communication repertoire of these animals. The aim of our study was to register the S-type vocalizations emitted by individuals of a Ctenomys species in La Rioja province (Argentina), and perform a descriptive analysis both on signal´s rhythmic structure and physical characteristics. These signals are considered a territorial call and/or a warning long-range signal, and they are based on repeated notes grouped into more general emission patterns. Signals were recorded from outside the animal´s burrow, with a portable recorder (Zoom H4n, built-in microphones) during the period 10 July to 10 August. Analysis of the vocalizations was performed using Raven Pro software (Bioacoustics Research Program, Cornell Lab of Ornithology). The study of S-signal´s rhythmic structure has shown that they consist of two main parts (following Francescoli & Quirici, 2010): Part 1, consisting of repetitions of notes grouped in blocks (mostly of three), and Part 2, formed by a chain of repeated and clearly individualized notes. The vocalizations always start with Part 1 and then Part 2, after this both parts can be repeatedAs for the main physical features of these vocalizations, they are composed of low-frequency broadband notes, with a dominant frequency between 150 and 300 Hz and a maximum of 16 kHz. As low-frequency sounds propagate better around obstacles in surface, minimum distances among these animals´ burrow systems are thought to be maintained through the use of these signals.