Geomagnetic sensitivity is present in a variety of vertebrates, but only recently has attention focused on subterranean mammals. We report the potential use of a magnetic compass in wild Damaraland mole-rats (Fukomys damarensis) during dispersal at two sites in the Kalahari region of South Africa. When the distance traveled was greater than 250 m, males and females dispersed in opposite directions and females preferentially chose a predominantly northeastern direction. This directional choice likely is due to the differing dispersal tactics between sexes. This evidence suggests that Damaraland mole-rats employ a magnetic compass during aboveground dispersal to assist in locating mates or a new territory. This study provides evidence to show how magnetic compass use could be useful in dispersal, an important ecological process for mammals.

中文翻译：

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在地下啮齿动物中进行长距离扩散时可能使用电磁罗盘

地磁敏感性存在于各种脊椎动物中，但直到最近才将注意力集中在地下哺乳动物上。我们报告了在野生的达马拉兰mole鼠（Fukomys damarensis）中使用磁罗盘的潜在用途）分散在南非卡拉哈里地区的两个地点。当行进距离大于250 m时，雄性和雌性以相反的方向散布，雌性优先选择主要为东北方向。这种方向性选择可能是由于性别之间的分散策略不同。这一证据表明，达玛拉兰德（Damaraland）的鼠类在地上扩散过程中使用了磁罗盘来协助寻找伴侣或新的领土。这项研究提供了证据证明使用磁罗盘如何在传播过程中发挥作用，传播过程是哺乳动物的重要生态过程。