Abstract:
Medger [1] reviewed the mechanisms of reproductive suppression in two eusocial
mole-rat species, the naked (Heterocephalus glaber) and Damaraland mole-rat
(Fukomys damarensis) with a focus on the interplay of stress, glucocorticoids and
reproductive activity in subordinate females. By referring to findings from other
group-living mammals such as meerkats (Suricata suricatta) and olive baboons
(Papio anubi), Medger [1] suggested that in these mole-rat species female subordinates
(non-breeding colony members) are exposed to aggressive behaviours
from dominant individuals, namely the queen (sole breeding female), causing
elevated glucocorticoid levels, which lead to a block of reproduction. Medger
[1] emphasizes the importance of environmental factors and colony stability
in regulating stress in both species and extrapolates this to other social
mole-rat species.
