NATURAL-HISTORY OF MICROCAVIA-NIATA IN THE HIGH ANDEAN ZONE OF NORTHERN CHILE
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Date
1993
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Abstract
We document the first record of Microcavia niata in the high Andes of northern Chile near the border of Bolivia. This species is restricted to bog habitats where it principally feeds on grasses and aquatic plants. Its basal metabolic rate was 0.689 +/- 0.1 ml O2 g-1 h-1. Two colonies were studied, each possessing 15 and 17 individuals, and characterized by female-biased sex ratios. Individuals reacted aggressively against the intrusion of non-colony members and elicited alarm calls under risk of predation.
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Keywords
MICROCAVIA-NIATA, CHILE, NATURAL HISTORY, METABOLISM