Bioacoustics of Scapteromys aquaticus

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Density variation was limited despite seasonal reproduction, with major intensity during spring and summer. Known individuals persisted in a sampling area for more than 20 months, which suggests minimal longevity of c.2 years. Density, residency, and reproduction were higher in microhabitats with extensive vegetative cover at least 0-50 m high. A variety of vocalizations were recorded, including sharp cry by nestling young and sonorous adult call. Suckling young emit very high pitched “chi-chi’ or “chio-chio.” Adult vocalization is lower pitched. Two captive adults uttered a slow “ro-ro-ro,” which became a shrill “creccrec” when an individual was excited or harassed; it can rise to a higher and sustained “cree... ec’ if an individual was cornered or in pain. The Argentinean Swamp Rat has a highly developed sense of hearing and can perceive sounds of extremely high wave lengths. It is easily startled and seeks safety by plunging into the nearest water. It is an attractive animal in captivity. It seems to tame easily but remains shy. It does not hesitate to bite when seized and is cannibalistic, at least in captivity.