Zambian Mole-Rats: 33 Years on the Scene and What We Still Do Not Know and How We Could Learn It
This article surveys more than three decades of research on Zambian mole-rats (genus Fukomys, Bathyergidae), pointing out some unanswered questions and untested hypotheses and suggesting approaches to address them. These research proposals range from sensory ecology topics, the main research field,...
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Frontiers Media S.A.
2022-05-01
|
| Series: | Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2022.866709/full |
| _version_ | 1811233408520552448 |
|---|---|
| author | Hynek Burda |
| author_facet | Hynek Burda |
| author_sort | Hynek Burda |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This article surveys more than three decades of research on Zambian mole-rats (genus Fukomys, Bathyergidae), pointing out some unanswered questions and untested hypotheses and suggesting approaches to address them. These research proposals range from sensory ecology topics, the main research field, covering different (even not yet identified) senses, orientation in time and space, communication, studies on aging, population dynamics, and the survival strategies of mole-rats during yearly floodings in the Kafue Flats. Discussion includes cryptozoological investigation into the existence of strange mole-rat species in some Zambian localities as reported by local communities, the study of mole-rats in assumed contact (hybrid?) zones of special interest, (cyto)genetic studies of hybrids of selected species, and a non-invasive study of population and family structure and dynamics with help of endoscopes. In each case, there is a rationale, reasoning, hypothesis, and suggested methodical approach. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-12T11:19:59Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-36e7b124b5df42ba8c39e027f985d71c |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2296-701X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-12T11:19:59Z |
| publishDate | 2022-05-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution |
| spelling | doaj.art-36e7b124b5df42ba8c39e027f985d71c2022-12-22T03:35:23ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution2296-701X2022-05-011010.3389/fevo.2022.866709866709Zambian Mole-Rats: 33 Years on the Scene and What We Still Do Not Know and How We Could Learn ItHynek BurdaThis article surveys more than three decades of research on Zambian mole-rats (genus Fukomys, Bathyergidae), pointing out some unanswered questions and untested hypotheses and suggesting approaches to address them. These research proposals range from sensory ecology topics, the main research field, covering different (even not yet identified) senses, orientation in time and space, communication, studies on aging, population dynamics, and the survival strategies of mole-rats during yearly floodings in the Kafue Flats. Discussion includes cryptozoological investigation into the existence of strange mole-rat species in some Zambian localities as reported by local communities, the study of mole-rats in assumed contact (hybrid?) zones of special interest, (cyto)genetic studies of hybrids of selected species, and a non-invasive study of population and family structure and dynamics with help of endoscopes. In each case, there is a rationale, reasoning, hypothesis, and suggested methodical approach.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2022.866709/fullFukomyssensory ecologybehavioral ecologyecophysiologyspatial orientationZambia |
| spellingShingle | Hynek Burda Zambian Mole-Rats: 33 Years on the Scene and What We Still Do Not Know and How We Could Learn It Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution Fukomys sensory ecology behavioral ecology ecophysiology spatial orientation Zambia |
| title | Zambian Mole-Rats: 33 Years on the Scene and What We Still Do Not Know and How We Could Learn It |
| title_full | Zambian Mole-Rats: 33 Years on the Scene and What We Still Do Not Know and How We Could Learn It |
| title_fullStr | Zambian Mole-Rats: 33 Years on the Scene and What We Still Do Not Know and How We Could Learn It |
| title_full_unstemmed | Zambian Mole-Rats: 33 Years on the Scene and What We Still Do Not Know and How We Could Learn It |
| title_short | Zambian Mole-Rats: 33 Years on the Scene and What We Still Do Not Know and How We Could Learn It |
| title_sort | zambian mole rats 33 years on the scene and what we still do not know and how we could learn it |
| topic | Fukomys sensory ecology behavioral ecology ecophysiology spatial orientation Zambia |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2022.866709/full |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT hynekburda zambianmolerats33yearsonthesceneandwhatwestilldonotknowandhowwecouldlearnit |