African mole-rats (familiy Bathyergidae) : models for studies in animal physiology

Abstract

The African mole-rats of the family Bathyergidae are an excellent model group of mammals for undertaking physiological research. The wide spectrum of social organizations, coupled with their underground lifestyles, make this unique family ideal for studies that embrace broad principles in physiology. Here I present an overview of past and ongoing research into the energetics, locomotory activity patterns, pineal melatonin function and reproductive physiology of these fascinating subterranean mammals.