Infanticide by Male and Female Mongolian Gerbils: Ontogeny, Causation, and Function

Gerbils [Meriones unguiculatus) are commonly maintained in the laboratory as monogamous pairs occupying single cages which usually results in peaceful cohabitation and a good breeding performance (Thiessen, 1968; Elwood, 1975a). Field observations of family groups inhabiting a single burrow confirm that these animals are naturally social (Tanimoto, 1943). Each group appears to consist of an adult pair and their offspring, which remain with the parents for the first winter (Leontjev, 1964). Thus, the field data suggest that these animals show monogamy on the measures of peaceful coexistence of the sexes within a limited area and late social weaning of the young (Kleiman, 1981).