EXPERIMENTAL EXAMINATION OF BURROWING BEHAVIOR IN CAECILIANS (AMPHIBIA, GYMNOPHIONA) - EFFECTS OF SOIL COMPACTION ON BURROWING ABILITY OF 4SPECIES

We evaluated the burrowing behaviors and capabilities of four species of caecilians (Dermophis mexicanus, Gymnopis syntrema, Ichthyophis koh taoensis, and Schistometopum thomense) in relation to soil compaction in laboratory studies. Burrowing abilities were assessed by monitoring the percentage of caecilians able to burrow and the length of time re quired to burrow in soils of different compactions. The ability to cho ose among different soils and the use of existing tunnels in preferenc e to new tunnel construction were assessed for each species. The burro wing capabilities of all species were strongly limited by soil compact ion. In addition, members of all species showed clear preferences for burrowing in the least compact soil available and for using existing t unnels rather than constructing new burrows. There were significant di fferences among species, with Dermophis being the most rapid and capab le burrowers of those tested. However, the hypothesized general burrow ing superiority of caeciliaid species over ichthyophiids was not suppo rted by comparisons of Gymnopis and Schistometopum with Ichthyophis.