Seismic Signaling Associated With Breeding-Season Spatial Behavior in the Subterranean Plateau Zokor.

Abstract

The plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi) is a solitary subterranean rodent endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, but breeding-season spatial behavior and the possible role of seismic signaling remain poorly understood. Here, we integrated radio-tracking, field seismic recordings, artificial seismic disturbance based on the temporal structure of breeding-season recordings, reproductive assessment, and histological analyses to examine spatial behavior, seismic-recording patterns, and reproductive outcomes. Male home ranges were larger during the breeding season than the non-breeding period, although seasonal samples comprised different individuals, and seismic-signal parameters showed descriptive variation among male- and female-associated recordings and between recording periods. Pregnancy prevalence was 30% (3/10) in the interference plot and 80% (8/10) in the control plot; because each experimental condition was represented by one plot, this contrast does not establish a general artificial seismic disturbance effect. Histological sections revealed corpuscle-like structures in the nasal pad and limb skin morphologically compatible with putative Meissner-like corpuscles, but their receptor identity and sensory function remain to be tested. Collectively, these observations are consistent with the hypothesis that seismic signaling may contribute to mating-associated spatial coordination, while highlighting the need for replicated behavioral, sensory, and controlled disturbance experiments.