Mice know to sing to mark the territory

Researchers have recently discovered that two species of rats can sing to mark territory and prevent conflicts with other animals.

Two species of rats Alston and Chiriqui are found in the foggy tropical forests of Costa Rica and Panama. They have the ability to sing in areas that people have just heard enough.

L mice can sing to mark territory and prevent conflict.(Photo: Discovery News)

Rodents often sing to attract mates and drive away the enemy in the same species. However, Bret Pasch, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas, USA and colleagues found that the high- pitched vocals of this type of mouse could be used as A sign that helps the males protect the territory.

Through the experiments, the researchers found that Chiriqui mice are larger in shape but withstand poor heat, so they often evacuate to colder places in the forest. Male mice sing their songs in response to objects capable of attacking their whereabouts.

Meanwhile, Alston mice are able to adapt to the temperature quite well. They will evacuate to colder and higher places without the Chiriqui mouse chasing them away. When a rat like Alston hears Chiriqui's song, he will stop singing and run away to avoid conflict.

This finding explains why only a few animals can be found in certain areas without finding other species.