Reactions of Cryptomys hottentotus to Water (Rodentia: Bathyergidae)

Abstract

Mortalities did not result from the escape of mole-rats from flooded burrows; and under laboratory testing, Cryptomys hottentotus was not hesitant to enter water. Swimming motions were coordinated and effective, enabling animals to swim for up to 14 minutes. Moderate current and aquatic vegetation aided movement in water; lowered water temperature adversely affected swimming ability. Water presents many ecological, zoogeographic, and behavioural problems which remain to be explored for small mammals.