Temporal segregation in coexisting spiny mice (genus Acomys): role of photoperiod and heterospecific odor.

Daily rhythms of activity and body temperature were measured in golden spiny mice Acomys russatus, acclimated for 2 weeks, at least, to 2 different photoperiod regimes (16L:8D; 8L:16D) at a constant ambient temperature of 28 degrees C. For recording body temperature, VM-FM (Mini-Mitter Co. Inc., Sunriver, OR) transmitters were implanted. For activity measurements, an infrared sensor (Hengstar BL 68 907F, Japan, using a Lodestar PS-303 power supply, Taiwan) mounted on each cage. Both rhythms were also measured in the same individuals exposed to chemical signals released in the urine of A. cahirinus. The results of this study show that both rhythms of A. russatus correlate and respond to changes in photoperiod regimens, as well as to the chemical signals. However, the correlation changes under the 2 photoperiod regimens. Under LD acclimation, a decrease in the correlation is noted, as a response to the addition of chemical signals. Our results suggest that the different responses due to the different light regimens represent 2 seasons in nature, where presumably each season demands a different physiological response.