Inbreeding avoidance and mate choice in dispersing root voles (Microtus oeconomus)

Abstract

To test if dispersers use odour to discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar individuals male and female root voles (Microtus oeconomus) were given the opportunity to choose between one familiar and one unfamiliar test individual. If dispersers have kin recognition mechanisms, the prediction is that the focal animal will choose an unfamiliar mate over a familiar mate. Alternatively, if the dispersal itself is enough to avoid inbreeding, dispersers may not have evolved kin recognition mechanisms and do not show any mate preferences. The results showed no difference in time spent with familiar and unfamiliar individuals neither for females nor males. These results may indicate that dispersing root voles do not have evolved kin recognition mechanisms. However, further mate choice testing of dispersing and resident root voles are needed before any conclusions can be drawn.