ENERGETIC COSTS OF BIPARENTAL CARE BEHAVIOR IN THE SIBERIAN DWARF HAMSTER PHODOPUS-SUNGORUS

In the laboratory and under semi-natural conditions, both male and fem ale Siberian dwarf hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) contribute to the care of their young. This study focuses on the energetic costs of parental care in both male and female Siberian dwarf hamsters. In general, par ent males and females had higher resting metabolic rate in the presenc e of pups than parents alone in comparison to control unmated males an d females. No significant differences were detected between parent mal es alone and control unmated males. Parent females had a higher restin g metabolic rate in the presence of pups and when they were alone, as compared with control unmated females. This suggests that there was an increased energy expenditure associated to behavioral changes observe d in the presence of pups in both males and females. The high metaboli c rate female parents without their offspring is likely due to the phy siological costs of lactation. The consequences of this behavior in te rms of survival value and reproductive success are discussed.