Ultrasounds and maternal behavior in the Mongolian gerbil

Female Mongolian gerbils were observed in undisturbed conditions and the ultrasounds produced by their pups were monitored. Ultrasound production was less in these conditions than with isolated pups. Correlations between various parameters suggest that nest‐building, sniffing pups, and licking pups are influenced primarily by ultrasounds whereas self‐grooming, feeding, and scratching are influenced primarily by the overall activity of the female.