@article {58482, title = {Bioacoustic description of the alarm call of the stump-tailed porcupine (Coendou rufescens)}, journal = {Theyra Notes}, volume = {3}, year = {2022}, pages = {198-203}, chapter = {198}, abstract = {

Acoustic communication in rodents is complex and varied. However, bioacoustic studies of rodents in the wild are limited and scarce, most are performed, under controlled laboratory conditions. We recorded the alarm call of the short-tailed porcupine in the wild for the first time. Recordings were obtained in Guabisai, Sangay National Park, Ecuador. We opportunistically recorded the alarm call of an adult female Coendou rufescens in a direct encounter during its capture process. We analyzed 37 notes of 21 calls, categorizing the notes into 4 different types based on their spectral, temporal, and intensity characteristics (i.e., fundamental, dominant and harmonic frequencies). The alarm call of C. rufescens consists of up to 4 notes. The sounds vary, ranging from chirps to nasal sounds, with the dominant frequency ranging from 0.34-2.50 kHz. The notes have different spectral and temporal characteristics. Therefore, the alarm call of C. rufescens presents a repertoire with different types of notes. Our preliminary observations suggest that their different types of sound are probably associated with anti-predatory behaviors, therefore we considered these sounds as alarm calls. This report provides baseline information for future bioacoustic studies on this species.

}, keywords = {alarm calls, dominant frequency, notes, repertoire, Rodents}, author = {Diego Batallas and Jorge Brito} } @article {53326, title = {Vocal Signals of Sexual Motivation in Male and Female Rodents}, journal = {Current Sexual Health Reports}, year = {2018}, month = {Jan-10-2020}, abstract = {

Purpose of the Review

Rodents produce ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) under different social contexts, including courtship and reproduction. The present review aims to summarize the behavioral, bioacoustical, and physiological evidence that USV are reliable signals of sexual motivation in both male and female rodents.

Recent Findings

USV are actively produced by both sexes during sexual interactions, contrary to earlier assumptions. Male-typical and female-typical vocal behaviors can be identified. Calling rates and acoustic parameters, such as call duration, frequency, and energy, can be modulated rapidly over time by motivational state and sexual context. USV produced in response to sexual context could be regulated by the brain on a moment-to-moment basis through non-classical mechanisms of steroid action. Finally, I provide some practical considerations for the acoustic and statistical analyses of these vocal signals.

Summary

USV can be used as signals of sexual motivation in both sexes to study brain and hormonal mechanisms underlying sexual behavior or sexual differentiation.

}, keywords = {bioacoustics, communication, Golden hamsters, House mouse, Nongenomic steroid action, Rats, Rodents, Sex steroids, Sexual behavior, Sexual motivation, Syrian hamsters, Ultrasonic vocalizations}, issn = {1548-3584}, doi = {10.1007/s11930-018-0179-9}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11930-018-0179-9}, author = {Fern{\'a}ndez-Vargas, Marcela} }