Vasilyeva T.V., Pavlenko M.V., Sheremetyeva I.N.
Vestnik IrGSHA 2017; (83): 120-125
The goal of investigation was to obtain from the original specimens collected in nature for further hybridization experiments with the aim of establishing the taxonomic rank and status of the gray voles of the genus Alexandromys from the population of the unclear taxonomic status of the North-East of the Verkhneyzeyskaya plain. Information about laboratory reproduction and maintenance of gray voles of the genus Alexandromys is reported for the first time.The material for creating a laboratory population was received by individuals caughted in the Amur Region in the valley of the Argi River in July 2015. The works were performed in the Vivarium of the Biodiversity FB RAS. The vanes were kept in glass boxes measuring 30x30x50 cm and 30x35x70 cm at a temperature of 16 - 26° C depending on the season of the year, under natural light and seasonal light conditions. As a litter material, sawdust was used. Obtained 18 litters, 92 individuals. The size of broods ranged from 3 to 8 cubs (mean 5.56), which is close to the indices for the Evora voles. The animals born in the vivarium joined in reproduction at the age of four months. The duration of pregnancy is 20 - 22 days. The maximum age and duration of captive-born animals was 16 months by the end of March 2017. From voles born in the vivarium in February 2016 at the end of summer 2016, 2 groups (male plus 2 females) and four pairs were formed for reproduction. They were kept throughout the autumn-winter period of 2016 - 2017, but did not bring offspring, although the acts of mating were observed regularly. The first brood (5 individuals) of one of the pairs appeared only on April 2, 2017, but the next day the cubs were not in the nest. In some cases, elements of aggressive behavior are noted.
