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Research Project Summmary Main Research Research project summmary Main research fields: zoology and reproductive physiology specialization fields: Animal reproduction, Behavioural ecology, Behavioural physiology, sociobiology. My research interests focus mainly on the sociobiology of African rodent moles (Bathyergidae) and in particular the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that have led to the evolution of sociality in this remarkable endemic African family. My research group is fundamentally interested in elucidating the modes and mechanisms that are responsible for reproductive suppression in the non-reproductive females of the various species. Research is currently being directed at the neuroendocrine and molecular levels to elucidate the extent, nature and location of GnRH suppression. We are also interested in the photic and thermic input in the control of reproduction in seasonally reproducing mole-rats and the potential lack of a role in aseasonally breeding bathyergids. Long term population studies on social mole-rats from mesic and xeric environments are underway. These studies are providing empirical data on the spatial distribution of colonies, longevities, factors restricting and promoting dispersal, vagility, foraging methods and lifetime reproductive success. We are interested in the genetic relatedness of colonies and also the type of paternal skew operational in the social genera. This work is being carried out in collaboration with Dr Chris Faulkes at Queen Mary and Westfield College, London. Students currently under supervision MSc (research) 1. Ms. Kemba Butler Neuroendocrinology of induced ovulation in the highveld mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae) 2. Mr. Andre Prins What makes a good helper? A behavioural study of cooperation in Damaraland mole-rats (Fukomys damarensis). 3. Mr. Josh Sarli Seasonal Reproductive Cycle and Parasite Burden of Two Small Mammals from Saudi Arabia. Post-Doctoral 1. Dr. Sarita Maree 1. The conservation of golden moles (Afrosoricida; Chrysochloridae) in South Africa 2. Dr. Katarina Medger The reproductive biology of two small southern African mammals, the spiny mouse, Acomys spinosissimus (Rodentia: Muridae) and the Eastern rock elephant-shrew, Elephantulus myurus (Macroscelidea: Macroscelididae) 3. Dr. M Oosthuizen Factors influencing neurogenesis and memory in three mole-rat species exhibiting a wide spectrum of social organisation. Students currently under co-supervision MSc (research) 1. Ms. Liz Archer The effects of the environment and sociality on parasite transmission and MHC selection in common mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus) 2. Mr. Josh Sarli Seasonal Reproductive Cycle and Parasite Burden of Two Small Mammals from Saudi Arabia. PhD 1. Mr. Low de Vries Ecology of the aardwolf, Proteles cristatus with special reference to diet, home range and prey abundance 2. Mrs. Jestina Katandukila A multidisplinary analysis on the status of the north-east African mole-rat, Tachyoryctes splendens (Rodentia: Spalacidae) from Tanzania: systematics, ecology, physiology and epidemiology 3. Mr. James van Sandwyk Molecular epidemiology and evolution of Cardioviruses (Picornaviridae) in endemic South African murid rodents Recent Publications 2013 1. Lutermann, H., Young, A.J., Bennett, N.C. (2013) Reproductive status and testosterone among females in cooperative mole-rat societies. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 187:60-65 2. Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C., Speakman, J.R., Scantlebury, M. (2013) Energetic benefits of sociality offset the costs of parasitism in a cooperative mammal. PLoS One. 8:57969-57969 3. van Sandwyk, J., Bennett, N.C., Swanepoel, R., Bastos, A.D.S. (2013) Retrospective genetic characterisation of encephalomyocarditis viruses from African elephant and swine recovers two distinct lineages in South Africa. Veterinary Microbiology. 162(1):23-31 2012 1. Lutermann, H., Bodenstein, C., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Natural parasite infection affects the tolerance but not the response to a simulated secondary parasite infection. PLoS One. 7:52077-52077 2. Kotze, R., Bennett, N., Cameron, E.Z., de Vries, J.L., Marneweck, D.G., Pirk, C.W.W., Dalerum, F. (2012) Temporal patterns of den use suggest polygamous mating patterns in an obligate monogamous mammal. Animal Behaviour. 84:1573-1578 3. Medger, K., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Seasonal reproduction in the eastern rock elephant-shrew: Influenced by rainfall and ambient temperature? Journal of Zoology. 288:283-293 4. Ganswindt, A., Muilwijk, C., Engelkes, M., Muenscher, S., Bertschinger, H., Paris, M., Palme, R., Cameron, E., Bennett, N., Dalerum, F. (2012) Validation of Noninvasive Monitoring of Adrenocortical Endocrine Activity in Ground-Feeding Aardwolves (Proteles cristata): Exemplifying the Influence of Consumption of Inorganic Material for Fecal Steroid Analysis. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. 85(2):194-199 5. Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Determinants of Helminth Infection in a Subterranean Rodent, the Cape Dune Mole-Rat (Bathyergus suillus). Journal of Parasitology. 98:686-689 6. Brettschneider, H., Bennett, N.C., Chimimba, C.T., Bastos, A.D.S. (2012) Bartonellae of the Namaqua rock mouse, Micaelamys namaquensis (Rodentia: Muridae), from South Africa. Veterinary Microbiology. 157:132-136 7. Medger, K., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Seasonal changes in reproductive development in male spiny mice (Acomys spinosissimus) from South Africa. Mammalian Biology. 77:153-159 8. Medger, K., Chimimba, C.T., Bennett, N.C. (2012) Reproductive photoresponsiveness in male spiny mice from South Africa. Journal of Zoology. 286:243-249 2011 1. Viljoen, H., Bennett, N.C., Ueckermann, E.A., Lutermann, H. (2011) The role of host traits, season and group size on parasite burdens in a cooperative mammal. PLoS One. 6:- 2. Viljoen, H., Bennett, N.C., Lutermann, H. (2011) Life-history traits, but not season, affect the febrile response to a lipopolysaccharide challenge in highveld mole-rats. Journal of Zoology. 285:222-229 2010 1. Faulkes, C.G., Sichilima, A.M., van Sandwyk, J., Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2010) Control of ovulation in female giant mole-rats Fukomys mechowii(Rodentia: Bathyergidae), and phylogenetic trends within the family. Journal of Zoology. 282:64-74 2. Bennett, N.C., van Sandwyk, J., Lutermann, H. (2010) The pattern of ovulation in Ansell�s mole-rat, Fukomys anselli: phylogenetic or ecological constraints? Journal of Zoology. 281:66-73 3. Young, A.J., Oosthuizen, M.K., Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2010) Physiological suppression eases in Damaraland mole-rat societies when ecological constraints on dispersal are relaxed. Hormones and Behavior. 57:177-183 2009 1. Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2009) Parasites - a cost of sociality? Journal of the South African Veterinary Association. 80:131-131 2. Costanzo, M.S., Bennett, N.C., Lutermann, H. (2009) Spatial learning and memory in African mole-rats: the role of sociality and sex. Physiology and Behaviour. 96:128-134 3. Taylor, P.J., Maree, S., van Sandwyk, J., Kerbis Peterhans, J.C., Stanley, W.T., Verheyen, E., Kaliba, P., Verheyen, W., Kaleme, P., Bennett, N.C. (2009) Speciation mirrors geomorphology and palaecclimatic history in African laminate-toothed rats (Muridae; Otomyini) of the Otomys denti and O. lacustris species-complexes in the. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 96:913-941 4. Bennett, N.C., Faulkes, C.G., Hart, L., Jarvis, J.U.M. (2009) The Cape mole-rat, Bathyergus suillus. Mammalian Species. 828:1-7 2008 1. de Vries, L., Oosthuizen, M.K., Sichilima, A.M., Bennett, N.C. (2008) Circadian rhythms of locomotor activity in Ansell's mole-rat: are mole-rat's clocks ticking? Journal of Zoology. 276:343-349 2. Kotze, J., Bennett, N.C., Scantlebury, M. (2008) The energetics of huddling in two species of mole-rat (Rodentia: Bathyergidae). Physiology and Behaviour. 93:215-221 3. Bennett, N.C. (2008) The Mammal Research Institute 1966-2006. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Africa . 63(1):53-60 4. Manjerovic, M.B., Kinahan, A.A., Waterman, J.M., Bennett, N.C., Bateman, P.W. (2008) Structure and allometry of genitalia in males and females of a social African ground squirrel with high polygynandry. Journal of Zoology. 275:375-380 5. Oosthuizen, M.K., Bennett, N.C., Lutermann, H., Coen, C.W. (2008) Reproductive suppression and the seasonality of reproduction in the social Natal mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus natalensis). General and Comparative Endocrinology. 159:236-240 6. Sichilima, A.M., Bennett, N.C., Faulkes, C.G., Le Comber, S.C. (2008) Evolution of African mole-rats sociality: burrow architecture, rainfall and foraging in colonies of the cooperatively breeding Fukomys mechowii. Journal of Zoology. 275:276-282 7. Scantlebury, M., Waterman, J.M., Bennett, N. (2008) Alternative reproductive tactics in male Cape ground squirrels Xerus inauris. Physiology and Behaviour. 94:359-367 8. Scantlebury, M., Lovegrove, B.G., Jackson, C.R., Bennett, N.C., Lutermann, H. (2008) Hibernation and non-shivering thermogenesis in the Hottentot golden mole (Amblysomus hottentottus. J Comp Physiol B. 178:887-897 9. Cameron, E.Z., Lemons, P.R., Bateman, P.W., Bennett, N.C. (2008) Experimental alteration of litter sex ratios in a mammal. Proceedings of the Royal Society London, B. 275:323-327 10. Lutermann, H., Bennett, N.C. (2008) Strong immune function: a benefit promoting the evolution of sociality?. Journal of Zoology. 275(1):26-32 2007 1. Jackson, T.P., Waterman, J.M., Bennett, N.C. (2007) LH responses to single doses of exogenous GnRH in female social ground squirrels
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