Juvenile vocalizations of Ctenomys talarum (Rodentia: Octodontidae).

SCHLEICH, C.E, BUSCH, C

ACTA THERIOLOGICA

Año: 2002 vol. 47 p. 25 - 35

0001-7051

We analyzed the physical structure and functional interpretation of juvenile vocalizations of Ctenomys talarum. Two sounds, one true vocalization (care-elicitation call) and one mechanical sound (nursing sound) were recorded during the nestling period. Care-elicitation calls were emitted by isolated pups and caused the mother to respond by immediately approaching the pups to take care of them. This maternal response to the care-elicitation calls of C. talarum pups, together with the production of these vocalizations during the first weeks after birth, when pups depend exclusively on their mother to obtain food and maintain their body temperature, give preliminary support for the recent theory that care-elicitation cries are honest advertisements of offspring need.