Naked mole rats are unusual mammals known for their subterranean, socially structured colonies. They spend nearly their entire lives in complex underground burrows, a lifestyle that shapes their actions. A less common behavior is their tendency to stand on their hind legs, which provides a glimpse into their social dynamics and environmental responses.
Life Underground and Typical Behavior
Living in extensive tunnel systems, naked mole rats have adapted to a life of darkness and confinement. Their primary locomotion involves scurrying through narrow passages and digging to expand their territory. They often move in a chain, with a lead digger passing soil back to others who move it to the surface. When not working or foraging for tubers, they rest together in large groups.
This subterranean existence shapes their sensory world, as they rely more on smell and touch than sight to navigate and identify colony members. They develop a unique colony scent by rolling in a communal toilet chamber, which allows them to distinguish between family and intruders. Since most activities occur horizontally, any vertical movement like standing is significant.
The Standing Posture in Naked Mole Rats
When a naked mole rat stands, it rises on its hind legs, lifting the front part of its body. This posture is a response to a perceived threat or an unfamiliar stimulus within their burrow. The animal braces itself for a rapid advance or retreat, with its head often thrown back and mouth agape.
This standing behavior is also seen in specific social contexts, such as an aggressive display between the colony’s queen and a challenging female. Some animals stand on their hind legs and use their forefeet to scratch at the walls, a behavior associated with attempts to escape the colony. The posture is rigid, with the animal sometimes making short, jerky movements toward the source of the disturbance.
Reasons for Standing Behavior
The primary reasons for this posture are defense and social signaling. By standing, a naked mole rat appears larger and more intimidating to a rival or potential threat. This action is a component of agonistic behavior, which includes threats and aggression, serving as a clear visual signal in the close quarters of a tunnel.
The posture may also enhance sensory perception. Lifting its head allows the animal to better sniff the air or sense vibrations, helping it assess a disturbance. A mole rat may cautiously approach an alarming stimulus, sniffing the air before adopting a defensive stance. This is a strategic assessment of risk, allowing it to gather information before deciding how to react.