House Construction of the Desert Woodrat, Neotoma lepida lepida

Abstract

Under confined and controlled conditions some desert woodrats, Neotoma lepida lepida, rapidly construct houses similar in size and form to those built in the wild. They utilize both natural materials (sticks, cactus, and pebbles) and artificial materials (plastic and metal jar tops). Preference for building materials differs among individuals. Once accustomed to building in captivity, woodrats build rapidly. A single individual may add as many as 359 pieces of material on a given night to its house and construct a complete house 40 centimeters high and 100 centimeters in diameter within 7 to 10 nights.