Mole Burrow Secrets: How Scientists Watch Moles

The University of California, Berkeley, contributes significantly to ecological research, and their studies frequently involve observing animal behavior. Burrow monitoring technology, utilizing advanced sensors, offers unprecedented opportunities to study subterranean life. One enduring question, can scientists watch moles through burrows, is a complex challenge addressed by the field of animal behavior studies. The International Society of Zoological Sciences promotes collaborations and knowledge-sharing that enhance our understanding of mole behavior and the methods used to observe them.

Image taken from the YouTube channel SciShow Kids , from the video titled What’s It Like to Live Underground? .

Mole Burrow Secrets: How Scientists Watch Moles

The question of whether scientists can observe moles within their intricate burrow systems is a complex one, demanding a multi-faceted approach to investigation. While direct, unobstructed viewing is typically impossible due to the soil, various techniques are employed to glean information about mole behavior, population density, and burrow structure. This exploration delves into these methods, highlighting their capabilities and limitations.

Understanding the Challenges of Observing Moles

Moles live almost exclusively underground, constructing complex tunnel networks that can span considerable distances. This subterranean lifestyle presents significant obstacles to direct observation.

• Darkness: Burrows are devoid of light, making visual observation without artificial aids impossible.
• Soil Obstruction: The soil itself physically blocks direct lines of sight.
• Tunnel Complexity: The intricate network of tunnels and chambers makes locating and observing specific moles challenging.
• Mole Behavior: Moles are easily disturbed and will likely flee any direct intrusion into their habitat.

Indirect Observation Methods: Probing the Underground

Despite the challenges, scientists utilize several innovative methods to study moles within their burrows without physically digging them up. These methods primarily rely on indirect observation techniques.

Seismic Monitoring

Seismic monitoring involves using sensitive instruments called seismographs to detect vibrations in the ground caused by mole activity.

• How it works: Moles generate subtle vibrations as they dig, forage, and move within their burrows. These vibrations can be detected by seismographs placed strategically on the surface.
• What it reveals: Analyzing the frequency, amplitude, and pattern of these vibrations can provide information about:
  • The location of mole activity.
  • The number of moles present in an area.
  • The types of activities being performed (e.g., digging, feeding, resting).
• Limitations:
  • Difficult to distinguish individual mole activity.
  • Background noise (e.g., traffic, weather) can interfere with data.
  • Interpretation can be complex, requiring specialized expertise.

Infrared Thermography

Infrared thermography uses cameras that detect infrared radiation, which represents heat.

• How it works: Moles, being warm-blooded, emit heat. This heat can be detected by infrared cameras, even through a layer of soil, although the accuracy decreases with depth.
• What it reveals:
  • The presence of moles in specific locations.
  • Areas of active burrowing.
  • Potentially, the size and shape of shallow burrow systems.
• Limitations:
  • Limited penetration depth – works best for shallow burrows.
  • Environmental factors (e.g., soil temperature, rainfall) can affect thermal readings.
  • Cannot provide detailed images of mole morphology or behavior.

Radio Telemetry

Radio telemetry involves attaching small radio transmitters to moles and tracking their movements.

• How it works: A small transmitter is surgically implanted or glued to a mole. The transmitter emits a radio signal that can be tracked using a receiver and antenna.
• What it reveals:
  • Detailed information about mole movement patterns.
  • Home range size and habitat use.
  • Social interactions between moles.
• Limitations:
  • Requires capturing and handling moles, which can be stressful.
  • Transmitters can be expensive and have limited battery life.
  • Signal can be obstructed by dense vegetation or underground structures.

Burrow Casting

Burrow casting involves filling the burrow system with a substance that hardens, allowing scientists to create a physical model of the tunnel network.

• How it works: A liquid substance, such as plaster, expandable foam, or molten metal, is poured into the mole’s burrow system through entrance holes. Once the substance hardens, the soil is carefully excavated to reveal the cast of the burrow system.
• What it reveals:
  • Detailed three-dimensional structure of the burrow system.
  • The size and complexity of the tunnel network.
  • The location of nests, chambers, and food storage areas.
• Limitations:
  • Destructive method – requires the destruction of the burrow system.
  • Difficult to excavate the cast without damaging it.
  • Does not provide information about mole behavior.

Endoscopic Cameras

Endoscopic cameras are small cameras attached to the end of a flexible tube that can be inserted into burrows.

• How it works: The endoscope is carefully inserted into the mole burrow, allowing scientists to view the interior of the tunnels on a monitor.
• What it reveals:
  • Provides a direct, albeit limited, view of the inside of the burrow.
  • Can reveal mole activity, if a mole is present in the area being viewed.
  • Can assess the structure and condition of the burrow walls.
• Limitations:
  • Limited field of view.
  • Can disturb moles and cause them to flee.
  • Requires careful maneuvering to avoid damaging the burrow.
  • Image quality can be affected by soil conditions and lighting.

Summarizing Observation Methods

So, there you have it – a glimpse into the secret lives of moles and the ingenious ways we try to peek into their underground world. Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of the question, can scientists watch moles through burrows? Keep digging for more information, and until next time, happy observing!