International Journal of Comparative Psychology

The blind mole rat {Spalax ehrenbergi) is a potentially highly aggressive solitary, subterranean rodent. Data on growth and development of pups are lacking since it is difficult to raise pups in captivity and, until recently, the blind mole rat has never bred in captivity. In this study six litters were maintained in six large semi-natural setups. We describe for the first time the chronological development of behavior in the blind mole rat from day of birth until the young disperse and establish their own independentterritories. The relatively short gestation period (34 days) and low birth mass

(5-6 g) combined with the need to acquire all survival skills prior to dispersal, are probably correlated with the relatively lengthy development of the blind mole ratcompared to Bathyergidae.